David Miliband, the former Labour foreign secretary, warned Europe against severing ties with the United States despite mounting tensions under the Trump administration. Speaking at the Hay literary festival, Miliband advocated for European strategic autonomy while maintaining the transatlantic alliance.
Miliband used the metaphor of "separate bedrooms" rather than "divorce" to describe the ideal relationship between Europe and America. He cautioned against complete disengagement, arguing that total separation carries serious risks. "You can see the argument that strategic autonomy for Europe means divorce from the United States," Miliband said. "I really counsel the dangers of that."
Now president of the International Rescue Committee, Miliband drew on his experience as Britain's foreign secretary to address the deteriorating relationship between Europe and Washington. The Trump administration's unpredictable foreign policy approach, combined with its skepticism toward NATO commitments and multilateral agreements, has prompted European leaders to explore greater independence in defense and diplomacy.
Miliband's position reflects a centrist view within Labour and European establishment circles. Rather than embrace European isolationism, he argues for measured autonomy that preserves the transatlantic relationship as a foundation for global stability. Complete disengagement, he suggested, could leave Europe vulnerable and without its most powerful Western ally in addressing shared security threats and geopolitical challenges.
The debate over European strategic autonomy intensified following Trump's return to American politics, with French and German leaders increasingly discussing defense spending and European military capability. Miliband's comments push back against those advocating sharper separation, positioning himself alongside pragmatists who see value in preserving institutional ties while pursuing greater European self-reliance.
His remarks reflect broader anxieties within the international development and humanitarian community about the consequences of transatlantic fracture on global security and aid efforts.