The Hindu Editorial • February 17, 2026 • Read Original

Transatlantic strains: On Europe and the U.S.

Europe should engage with the wider world to reduce dependence on the U.S.

Scoreclever

Win Exams Cleverly

The Hindu Read Original

12 min read

Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on February 17, 2026

Transatlantic strains: On Europe and the U.S.

Europe should engage with the wider world to reduce dependence on the U.S.

Transatlantic RelationsNATOEuropean AutonomyMunich Security ConferenceUS-Europe TiesFriedrich MerzEmmanuel Macron

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 21

English Original

The international rules-based order “no longer exists”, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at the annual Munich Security Conference.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The international “no longer exists”

The system of global laws and agreements that countries usually follow does not work anymore

Part 2

Germany’s Friedrich Merz

The leader of Germany, Friedrich Merz

Part 3

said

Spoke or stated

Part 4

at the annual Munich Security Conference

During the yearly meeting in Munich about global safety and defense

Context and Background

Munich Security Conference (MSC)

The Munich Security Conference is a major annual event held in Germany where world leaders and experts discuss international security policies. It is often considered the world’s leading forum for debating global security challenges.

Sentence 2 of 21

English Original

French President Emmanuel Macron called for greater European “military autonomy”, arguing that the continent must become a stronger pillar within NATO.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

French President Emmanuel Macron

The leader of France, Emmanuel Macron

Part 2

Publicly requested or demanded

Part 3

greater European “military ”

More independence for Europe in managing its own military and defense affairs

Part 4

arguing that the continent must become a stronger within NATO

Giving the reason that Europe needs to be a more powerful part of the NATO alliance

Context and Background

NATO and European Autonomy

NATO is a military alliance of European and North American countries. ‘Military autonomy’ refers to Europe’s ability to act independently in defense matters without relying solely on the United States, while still being part of NATO.

Sentence 3 of 21

English Original

While these remarks reflected Europe’s growing anxiety over the U.S.’s receding security commitments, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised a path of cooperation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While these remarks reflected Europe’s growing over the U.S.’s security commitments

Even though the earlier comments showed that Europe is becoming more worried about the U.S. pulling back its military support

Part 2

U.S. Marco Rubio

The top U.S. official in charge of foreign affairs, Marco Rubio

Part 3

promised

Assured or vowed

Part 4

a path of

A plan or way for both sides to work together

Sentence 4 of 21

English Original

He advocated a stronger alliance rooted in shared history and Christian cultural linkages rather than shared strategic interests.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Marco Rubio (the U.S. Secretary of State mentioned in the previous sentence)

Part 2

Supported or recommended something publicly

Part 3

a stronger shared history and Christian cultural linkages rather than shared

A more powerful partnership based on past connections and religious culture instead of common military or economic goals

Sentence 5 of 21

English Original

The speeches by European and American officials underscored both the strains in transatlantic ties and Europe’s mounting challenges.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The speeches by European and American officials

The public talks given by leaders from Europe and the United States

Part 2

Emphasized or highlighted

Part 3

both the in ties and Europe’s challenges

The tensions in the relationship between North America and Europe, and the increasing problems Europe is facing

Sentence 6 of 21

English Original

Last year, at the same venue, U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance had slammed Europe’s democratic model and its refugee policies.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Last year, at the same

A year ago, at the same place (Munich Security Conference)

Part 2

U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance

The second-highest official of the United States, J.D. Vance

Part 3

had

Strongly criticized

Part 4

Europe’s democratic model and its

The way European countries run their governments and their rules for people escaping danger from other countries

Sentence 7 of 21

English Original

Mr. Rubio, though conciliatory, also echoed the American far-right’s central talking point of “civilizational erasure”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Rubio

Marco Rubio (U.S. Secretary of State)

Part 2

though

Even though he sounded friendly and willing to cooperate

Part 3

also

Simultaneously repeated or agreed with

Part 4

the American ’s central of “civilizational ”

The main argument used by extreme right-wing groups in America that Western culture is being wiped out

Context and Background

Civilizational Erasure

’Civilizational erasure’ is a concept often used by far-right politicians to argue that mass immigration and multiculturalism are destroying the traditional (often Christian) identity of Western nations. It is a controversial term used to mobilize voters on cultural identity issues.

Sentence 8 of 21

English Original

The Trump administration wants Europe, at a moment of crisis, to join its culture wars and its push to reassert western dominance.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Trump administration

The U.S. government led by Donald Trump

Part 2

wants

Desires or requires

Part 3

Europe

The European countries

Part 4

at a moment of

During a very difficult or dangerous time

Part 5

to join its and its push to western

To participate in its internal social conflicts and its effort to regain control over the world

Sentence 9 of 21

English Original

Today’s Europe faces a trifecta of challenges.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Today’s Europe

The European countries in the present time

Part 2

faces

Deals with or is confronted by

Part 3

a of

A group of three major problems occurring at the same time

Sentence 10 of 21

English Original

First, the largest land conflict since the end of the Second World War has been raging on its eastern flank for four years.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

First

To begin with (the first point)

Part 2

the largest land since the end of the Second World War

The biggest war fought on land after World War II concluded

Part 3

has been

Has been continuing with great force and violence

Part 4

on its eastern

On the eastern side of Europe

Part 5

for four years

During the last four years

Context and Background

The Russia-Ukraine War

The ‘largest land conflict’ refers to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which began in February 2022. By early 2026, the war has lasted for four years, becoming a major source of instability for Europe.

Sentence 11 of 21

English Original

Europe’s principal response has been to arm Ukraine and hurt Russia through sanctions, but this has not produced decisive results on the battlefield.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Europe’s response

The main way Europe has reacted to the war

Part 2

has been

The state or action that has happened until now

Part 3

to arm Ukraine and hurt Russia through

Giving weapons to Ukraine and punishing Russia by stopping trade and financial deals

Part 4

this

The action of arming Ukraine and using sanctions

Part 5

has not produced

Has not resulted in or caused

Part 6

results

Clear outcomes that solve the problem or end the war

Part 7

on the battlefield

In the actual area where the war is being fought

Sentence 12 of 21

English Original

Second, Europe has relied on the U.S. for its security since the Second World War, a dependence that deepened after the Cold War.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Second

The second point or challenge

Part 2

Europe

The European continent/countries

Part 3

has relied on

Has depended on or trusted for support

Part 4

the U.S.

The United States of America

Part 5

for its security

To stay safe and protected from war

Part 6

since the Second World War

From the time World War II ended until now

Part 7

a dependence that after the Cold War

A state of relying on someone that became even stronger after the Cold War ended

Context and Background

Post-Cold War Security

The Cold War ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. After this, many European nations reduced their military budgets, assuming that the major threat had vanished, which made them even more dependent on the U.S. for protection.

Sentence 13 of 21

English Original

This lopsided partnership is no longer sustainable as the U.S., where a new far-right movement seeks to recast transatlantic ties, appears increasingly less committed to European security.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This partnership

This unequal relationship (between Europe and the U.S.)

Part 2

Exists as

Part 3

no longer

Cannot continue for a long time anymore

Part 4

as the U.S., where a new far-right movement seeks to transatlantic ties, appears increasingly less to European security

Because the U.S., influenced by extreme political groups, seems to be losing interest in protecting Europe

Sentence 14 of 21

English Original

Mr. Trump’s remarks about taking control of Greenland risk undermining the alliance’s collective defence principle.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump’s remarks about taking control of Greenland

The comments made by Donald Trump about the U.S. possibly taking over the island of Greenland

Part 2

risk

Create the danger of something bad happening

Part 3

the alliance’s principle

Weakening the rule that all NATO countries must protect each other if one is attacked

Context and Background

Trump and Greenland

In 2019, Donald Trump expressed interest in the United States purchasing Greenland from Denmark. This was dismissed by Danish and Greenlandic leaders, but the reminder of such comments highlights concerns about the U.S. respecting the sovereignty of its European allies.

Sentence 15 of 21

English Original

Third, resurgent far-right movements across Europe are challenging the idea of an inclusive European Union.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Third

The third point or challenge

Part 2

far-right movements across Europe

Extreme political groups that are becoming popular again in many European countries

Part 3

are challenging

Are questioning or attacking

Part 4

the idea of an European Union

The concept that the EU should be a group where everyone is included and welcomed

Sentence 16 of 21

English Original

As the global order shifts — as Mr. Rubio said ahead of Munich — Europe risks being squeezed by these crosscurrents.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As the global order shifts

Because the way the world is organized and governed is changing

Part 2

— as Mr. Rubio said ahead of Munich —

(Just like Marco Rubio mentioned before the meeting in Munich)

Part 3

Europe

The European continent

Part 4

risks

Has the danger of

Part 5

being by these

Being pressured or trapped by these conflicting political and social trends

Sentence 17 of 21

English Original

Instead, Europe has to reduce its reliance on the U.S. and build greater strategic autonomy.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Instead

In place of doing what was described before

Part 2

Europe

The European nations

Part 3

has to reduce

Must decrease or lower

Part 4

its on the U.S.

How much it depends on the United States for help and security

Part 5

build

Develop or create

Part 6

greater autonomy

More independence to make important decisions about its own safety and future

Sentence 18 of 21

English Original

And if it is worried about the breakdown in the international order, it should help rebuild that by working with countries beyond the West.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

And if it is worried about the in the international order

And in case Europe is concerned that global laws and cooperation are failing

Part 2

Europe

Part 3

should help rebuild

Ought to assist in making it strong again

Part 4

that

The international order

Part 5

by working with countries

By cooperating with nations that are not part of North America or Europe (like China, India, etc.)

Sentence 19 of 21

English Original

In the near term, Europe must also work towards ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a workable new normal with Russia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the near term

In the short-term future; soon

Part 2

Europe

The European countries and their leaders

Part 3

must also work towards

Have a duty to try to achieve

Part 4

ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a with Russia

Stopping the conflict in Ukraine and creating a stable, practical way to deal with Russia in the future

Sentence 20 of 21

English Original

Finally, European leaders must address public resentment towards the political establishment, which continues to fuel the rise of the far-right.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Finally

Lastly (the final point)

Part 2

European leaders

The people in charge of European governments

Part 3

must address

Need to deal with or find a solution for

Part 4

public towards the political , which continues to the rise of the far-right

The people’s anger against the traditional government system, which keeps making extreme political groups more powerful

Sentence 21 of 21

English Original

Continental peace and stability and cooperation and engagement with the wider world should guide Europe while it reimagines its role in the emerging world order.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

peace and and cooperation and with the wider world

Safety and calmness across the European continent, along with working and interacting with all other countries globally

Part 2

should guide

Ought to provide direction for

Part 3

Europe

The European countries

Part 4

while it its role in the

While Europe thinks about its new position in the world as global power shifts

Sentence 1 of 21

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns about the breakdown of the international order and the need for European military autonomy.
2 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s conciliatory tone at the Munich Security Conference focused on shared cultural history rather than strategic alignment.
3 Europe faces a triple challenge: the prolonged war in Ukraine, a declining security dependence on the U.S., and the rise of internal far-right movements.
4 The U.S. under the Trump administration is pushing Europe toward cultural wars and reasserting western dominance, causing further strain in ties.
5 To ensure long-term stability, Europe must reduce its reliance on the U.S., seek strategic autonomy, and build partnerships with countries outside the West.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial examines the evolving geopolitical landscape and the shifting dynamics of the transatlantic alliance. It remains objective while highlighting the mounting pressures on Europe to redefine its global role and reduce its historical dependence on the United States. Phrases like “trifecta of challenges” and “mounting challenges” show a deep examination of the current situation.

Sentence 1 of 21

The international rules-based order “no longer exists”, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at the annual Munich Security Conference.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The international rules-based order “no longer exists”

The system of global laws and agreements that countries usually follow does not work anymore

Part 2

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz

The leader of Germany, Friedrich Merz

Part 3

said

Spoke or stated

Part 4

at the annual Munich Security Conference

During the yearly meeting in Munich about global safety and defense

Sentence 2 of 21

French President Emmanuel Macron called for greater European “military autonomy”, arguing that the continent must become a stronger pillar within NATO.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

French President Emmanuel Macron

The leader of France, Emmanuel Macron

Part 2

called for

Publicly requested or demanded

Part 3

greater European “military autonomy”

More independence for Europe in managing its own military and defense affairs

Part 4

arguing that the continent must become a stronger pillar within NATO

Giving the reason that Europe needs to be a more powerful part of the NATO alliance

Sentence 3 of 21

While these remarks reflected Europe’s growing anxiety over the U.S.’s receding security commitments, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised a path of cooperation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While these remarks reflected Europe’s growing anxiety over the U.S.’s receding security commitments

Even though the earlier comments showed that Europe is becoming more worried about the U.S. pulling back its military support

Part 2

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

The top U.S. official in charge of foreign affairs, Marco Rubio

Part 3

promised

Assured or vowed

Part 4

a path of cooperation

A plan or way for both sides to work together

Sentence 4 of 21

He advocated a stronger alliance rooted in shared history and Christian cultural linkages rather than shared strategic interests.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Marco Rubio (the U.S. Secretary of State mentioned in the previous sentence)

Part 2

advocated

Supported or recommended something publicly

Part 3

a stronger alliance rooted in shared history and Christian cultural linkages rather than shared strategic interests

A more powerful partnership based on past connections and religious culture instead of common military or economic goals

Sentence 5 of 21

The speeches by European and American officials underscored both the strains in transatlantic ties and Europe’s mounting challenges.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The speeches by European and American officials

The public talks given by leaders from Europe and the United States

Part 2

underscored

Emphasized or highlighted

Part 3

both the strains in transatlantic ties and Europe’s mounting challenges

The tensions in the relationship between North America and Europe, and the increasing problems Europe is facing

Sentence 6 of 21

Last year, at the same venue, U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance had slammed Europe’s democratic model and its refugee policies.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Last year, at the same venue

A year ago, at the same place (Munich Security Conference)

Part 2

U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance

The second-highest official of the United States, J.D. Vance

Part 3

had slammed

Strongly criticized

Part 4

Europe’s democratic model and its refugee policies

The way European countries run their governments and their rules for people escaping danger from other countries

Sentence 7 of 21

Mr. Rubio, though conciliatory, also echoed the American far-right’s central talking point of “civilizational erasure”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Rubio

Marco Rubio (U.S. Secretary of State)

Part 2

though conciliatory

Even though he sounded friendly and willing to cooperate

Part 3

also echoed

Simultaneously repeated or agreed with

Part 4

the American far-right’s central talking point of “civilizational erasure”

The main argument used by extreme right-wing groups in America that Western culture is being wiped out

Sentence 8 of 21

The Trump administration wants Europe, at a moment of crisis, to join its culture wars and its push to reassert western dominance.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Trump administration

The U.S. government led by Donald Trump

Part 2

wants

Desires or requires

Part 3

Europe

The European countries

Part 4

at a moment of crisis

During a very difficult or dangerous time

Part 5

to join its culture wars and its push to reassert western dominance

To participate in its internal social conflicts and its effort to regain control over the world

Sentence 9 of 21

Today’s Europe faces a trifecta of challenges.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Today’s Europe

The European countries in the present time

Part 2

faces

Deals with or is confronted by

Part 3

a trifecta of challenges

A group of three major problems occurring at the same time

Sentence 10 of 21

First, the largest land conflict since the end of the Second World War has been raging on its eastern flank for four years.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

First

To begin with (the first point)

Part 2

the largest land conflict since the end of the Second World War

The biggest war fought on land after World War II concluded

Part 3

has been raging

Has been continuing with great force and violence

Part 4

on its eastern flank

On the eastern side of Europe

Part 5

for four years

During the last four years

Sentence 11 of 21

Europe’s principal response has been to arm Ukraine and hurt Russia through sanctions, but this has not produced decisive results on the battlefield.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Europe’s principal response

The main way Europe has reacted to the war

Part 2

has been

The state or action that has happened until now

Part 3

to arm Ukraine and hurt Russia through sanctions

Giving weapons to Ukraine and punishing Russia by stopping trade and financial deals

Part 4

this

The action of arming Ukraine and using sanctions

Part 5

has not produced

Has not resulted in or caused

Part 6

decisive results

Clear outcomes that solve the problem or end the war

Part 7

on the battlefield

In the actual area where the war is being fought

Sentence 12 of 21

Second, Europe has relied on the U.S. for its security since the Second World War, a dependence that deepened after the Cold War.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Second

The second point or challenge

Part 2

Europe

The European continent/countries

Part 3

has relied on

Has depended on or trusted for support

Part 4

the U.S.

The United States of America

Part 5

for its security

To stay safe and protected from war

Part 6

since the Second World War

From the time World War II ended until now

Part 7

a dependence that deepened after the Cold War

A state of relying on someone that became even stronger after the Cold War ended

Sentence 13 of 21

This lopsided partnership is no longer sustainable as the U.S., where a new far-right movement seeks to recast transatlantic ties, appears increasingly less committed to European security.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This lopsided partnership

This unequal relationship (between Europe and the U.S.)

Part 2

Exists as

Part 3

no longer sustainable

Cannot continue for a long time anymore

Part 4

as the U.S., where a new far-right movement seeks to recast transatlantic ties, appears increasingly less committed to European security

Because the U.S., influenced by extreme political groups, seems to be losing interest in protecting Europe

Sentence 14 of 21

Mr. Trump’s remarks about taking control of Greenland risk undermining the alliance’s collective defence principle.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump’s remarks about taking control of Greenland

The comments made by Donald Trump about the U.S. possibly taking over the island of Greenland

Part 2

risk

Create the danger of something bad happening

Part 3

undermining the alliance’s collective defence principle

Weakening the rule that all NATO countries must protect each other if one is attacked

Sentence 15 of 21

Third, resurgent far-right movements across Europe are challenging the idea of an inclusive European Union.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Third

The third point or challenge

Part 2

resurgent far-right movements across Europe

Extreme political groups that are becoming popular again in many European countries

Part 3

are challenging

Are questioning or attacking

Part 4

the idea of an inclusive European Union

The concept that the EU should be a group where everyone is included and welcomed

Sentence 16 of 21

As the global order shifts — as Mr. Rubio said ahead of Munich — Europe risks being squeezed by these crosscurrents.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As the global order shifts

Because the way the world is organized and governed is changing

Part 2

— as Mr. Rubio said ahead of Munich —

(Just like Marco Rubio mentioned before the meeting in Munich)

Part 3

Europe

The European continent

Part 4

risks

Has the danger of

Part 5

being squeezed by these crosscurrents

Being pressured or trapped by these conflicting political and social trends

Sentence 17 of 21

Instead, Europe has to reduce its reliance on the U.S. and build greater strategic autonomy.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Instead

In place of doing what was described before

Part 2

Europe

The European nations

Part 3

has to reduce

Must decrease or lower

Part 4

its reliance on the U.S.

How much it depends on the United States for help and security

Part 5

build

Develop or create

Part 6

greater strategic autonomy

More independence to make important decisions about its own safety and future

Sentence 18 of 21

And if it is worried about the breakdown in the international order, it should help rebuild that by working with countries beyond the West.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

And if it is worried about the breakdown in the international order

And in case Europe is concerned that global laws and cooperation are failing

Part 2

Europe

Part 3

should help rebuild

Ought to assist in making it strong again

Part 4

that

The international order

Part 5

by working with countries beyond the West

By cooperating with nations that are not part of North America or Europe (like China, India, etc.)

Sentence 19 of 21

In the near term, Europe must also work towards ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a workable new normal with Russia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the near term

In the short-term future; soon

Part 2

Europe

The European countries and their leaders

Part 3

must also work towards

Have a duty to try to achieve

Part 4

ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a workable new normal with Russia

Stopping the conflict in Ukraine and creating a stable, practical way to deal with Russia in the future

Sentence 20 of 21

Finally, European leaders must address public resentment towards the political establishment, which continues to fuel the rise of the far-right.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Finally

Lastly (the final point)

Part 2

European leaders

The people in charge of European governments

Part 3

must address

Need to deal with or find a solution for

Part 4

public resentment towards the political establishment, which continues to fuel the rise of the far-right

The people’s anger against the traditional government system, which keeps making extreme political groups more powerful

Sentence 21 of 21

Continental peace and stability and cooperation and engagement with the wider world should guide Europe while it reimagines its role in the emerging world order.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Continental peace and stability and cooperation and engagement with the wider world

Safety and calmness across the European continent, along with working and interacting with all other countries globally

Part 2

should guide

Ought to provide direction for

Part 3

Europe

The European countries

Part 4

while it reimagines its role in the emerging world order

While Europe thinks about its new position in the world as global power shifts

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Transatlantic Strains

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the evolving security relationship between Europe and the United States.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

Explore by Category

Editorial Categories

Politics and Governance 7 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 3 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

Vocabulary Feeds

Challenging Vocabulary 161 Idioms and Phrases 113 Phrasal Verbs 54

About Scoreclever

Your Complete Learning Ecosystem

Scoreclever helps you master Current Affairs, English Language, and General Awareness for all Banking, SSC, Railway, and Defence exams. The Scoreclever app has innovative learning techniques that make memorization and revision effortless.

Explore Scoreclever

Anything wrong in this content?

Give feedback

Request a feature?

Contact support

Looking to contribute?

Contact our team

Transatlantic strains: On Europe and the U.S.

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension - Transatlantic Strains

Explore by Category

Share this editorial

About Scoreclever

Anything wrong in this content?

Request a feature?

Looking to contribute?