European leaders debate how to respond to Trump's criticism and US policy shifts

European leaders are holding meetings and making public statements about their relationship with the United States under a potential second Trump administration. A major theme is how to respond to critical comments from Trump and his allies, who have questioned the European Union's democratic legitimacy and strategic direction.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Trump wants to 'dismember' the EU and has urged Europe to use recent disputes over places like Greenland as a moment to push for internal reforms. In response, some US figures, like Senator Marco Rubio, have given speeches in Europe seeking to reassure allies that 'we belong together,' though often on US terms. Former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi has called for a more unified EU 'federation' to avoid being picked apart by global powers like the US and China.