Europe’s Strategic Pivot: CPTPP as a Response to US Trade Tensions

Faced with Washington’s renewed protectionism, the EU is turning eastward to reinforce its trade resilience – and Central Europe may hold the key

24 July 2025

Washington’s threat of sweeping tariffs has jolted European leaders into rethinking their economic dependencies. As the global trade order splinters, Europe is seeking new alliances built on trust, shared standards and long-term cooperation. For Central and Eastern Europe, this shift is not just a challenge – it is a diplomatic opportunity.

After a few weeks of relative calm and concessions, Washington’s 30% tariff threat has reignited transatlantic tensions. European leaders may be disappointed, but given the trajectory over the past few months, they cannot be surprised.

The US and EU are each other’s biggest trading partners by total trade volume, totalling $975.9 billion in 2024. For decades, the two sides generally shared trust and goodwill rooted in deep trade ties. The economic partnership has long been underpinned by military cooperation and aligned geopolitical postures – but the winds have shifted.

Subscribe

Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.

MonthlyVAT included

€4/month

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

AnnualVAT included

€40/year

See all details

  • Individual subscribers only. Check our CORPORATE OFFER below
  • 15% Discount (8 EUR off monthly cost if paid annually)
  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

Student OR Donation

Choose your contribution

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Some Visegrad Insight events invitations

I am a representative of an institution/business. Is there a corporate offer?

The annual subscription for up to ten institutional users: EUR 999
GO TO CHECKOUT

For a tailor-made offer email us: contact@visegradinsight.eu 

  • Access to all articles for your team
  • Access to all Reports for your team
  • Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
  • Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
  • Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
  • Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)

Intelligence prepared by a group of Visegrad Insight Fellows from all across

Can I receive an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.

Are my credit card details safe?

Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.

How modify or cancel my subscription?

At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.

Simon Xiao

Simon Xiao is an UWC Davis Scholar at Princeton University’s Politics and East Asian Studies departments. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Simon has also lived in Japan, Taiwan and China. Simon was a New Zealand Youth Member of Parliament in 2022. Simon previously worked in Tokyo-based thinktank Asia-Pacific Initiative and the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan.

Newsletter

Weekly updates with our latest articles and the editorial commentary.