European relations with the UK post-Brexit and the US under a potential Trump-Vance administration are under scrutiny. The EU remains interested in the UK, although the sentiment may not be fully reciprocated, with challenges in aligning engagement approaches. In the US, Republican figures like JD Vance signal a shift towards burden-sharing with allies, raising concerns among European leaders about potential isolationist policies. Ursula von der Leyen's reappointment as EU Commission head amid rising populism underscores the continent's political landscape. Anxiety looms over Trump's potential return and its implications for Ukraine, NATO, and European security, with fears of concessions to Russia. Additionally, the UK government's engagement with the European Political Community as a security platform raises questions about its true intentions and impact on EU relations.