Europe is facing mounting strain in its relations with the United States, while tensions over the Iran war are testing ties with Middle Eastern partners, exposing cracks within NATO and pushing the bloc to deepen its engagement with Africa as it repositions its global alliances.
- Growing tensions with the US, especially over NATO and defense responsibilities, have highlighted Europe’s vulnerability in security frameworks.
- Europe is pivoting towards Africa to secure energy and strategic partnerships amid strained US relations and Middle East instability.
- Disruptions in Middle Eastern energy supply routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed Europe to seek alternatives, boosting reliance on African resources.
- European engagement with Africa is shifting from traditional aid to strategic, interest-driven partnerships in sectors like energy, security, and digital infrastructure.
Europe’s ties with Washington have come under strain after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned NATO’s relevance and urged allies to take greater responsibility for their defence.
The president told Reuters he is “absolutely” considering withdrawing the United States from NATO after criticising the alliance and its role in the conflict.
“They haven’t been friends when we needed them,” Trump told Reuters. “We’ve never asked them for much … it’s a one-way street.”
However, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended NATO as “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen. And it has kept us safe for many decades. And we are fully committed to NATO.”
On the Israel–Iran conflict, he said Britain would not take part, despite supporting a 30-nation coalition to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and granting the United States access to its bases.
“This is not our war,” Starmer said. “We will not be drawn into the conflict.”
Middle East crisis exposes structural vulnerabilities
At the same time, the Iran conflict and Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted critical energy corridors, exposing Europe’s continued dependence on Middle Eastern supply routes.
Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have urged U.S. President Donald Trump to sustain pressure on Iran, saying Tehran has not been sufficiently weakened by the month-long U.S.-led bombing campaign, U.S., Gulf and Israeli officials told the Associated Press.
In contrast, Europe has largely adopted a more cautious approach to the conflict, emphasising de-escalation over direct involvement, a stance that has drawn concern from Israel, Iran, the United States and Gulf partners.
“Across major European capitals, the initial response was caution, distance and deflection. Leaders relied on calls for restraint, opting for avoidance over action and appearing to treat the threat as one that could be managed rather than confronted,” according to Arab News.
The report added that Europe’s subsequent actions were driven more by necessity than choice. “They are stepping forward because they have to. Not because they chose to. That distinction matters. Because when the Gulf first came under sustained attack, Europe’s instinct was not solidarity. It was to turn away.”
Energy shocks accelerate Africa pivot
With traditional supply routes under pressure, Africa is emerging as a critical alternative for Europe’s energy security.
Roughly 40 percent of Europe’s jet fuel has historically come through the Strait of Hormuz, now disrupted by geopolitical tensions, pushing north-west European prices to $1,744 per tonne, nearly double pre-war levels.
In response, Europe is increasingly turning to African suppliers, as global flows adjust.
Shipments to Asia and Europe from key West African producers Angola and Nigeria are expected to rise by about 200,000 barrels per day to 3.72 million bpd, according to Kpler.
Italy has expanded gas cooperation with Algeria, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirming that more than 30% of its natural gas demand is supplied by the North African country, while Nigeria accounts for over half of Portugal’s LNG imports.
The shift is also visible in refined fuel markets, with cargoes from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery reaching key European ports.
An industry source at the refinery in Lekki, Lagos, said “most of the European countries have been our main buyers.”
A major shipment is set for Amsterdam, Netherlands, while others have arrived in Rotterdam and Milford Haven in the United Kingdom, reflecting strong demand amid a tightening Jet A1 market.
From aid to interest-driven engagement
Europe is shifting its approach to Africa, moving away from traditional aid models towards partnerships based on economic and security interests, Euronews reported.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Nigeria and Ghana, where she announced a €288 million package covering healthcare, agriculture, finance, migration and digital infrastructure.
In Ghana, she signed the first EU-Ghana Security and Defence Partnership. “This partnership allows us to work more closely in areas that matter for the security of our citizens, both in Europe and Ghana,” Kallas said.
The European Union has committed more than €1 billion through the European Peace Facility and deployed 12 civilian and military missions to support African-led initiatives.
Speaking in Brussels, Younous Omarjee, Vice President of the European Parliament, said, “I believe that we must today revise our policy with African countries and move away from this development aid policy, which is outdated and which does not draw the consequences of concrete realities.”
He added: “Because development and prosperity on the African continent determines development and prosperity in Europe. So we have interests in Africa, and African countries have interests and have an interest in their partnership with Europe.”
