Trying to describe Europe’s relationship with Donald Trump has become a full-time diplomatic exercise. Is he a partner? Occasionally. A threat? At times. A force reshaping the relationship on his own terms? Always. What’s clear is that Europe is dealing with an unpredictable, dominating partner whose impulses can upend the continent overnight.
As we assembled POLITICO’s annual ranking of the 28 most powerful people in European politics and policy, one reality became inescapable: No one has exerted more influence in or on Europe this year than the U.S. president.