This assertion, which emerged on Thursday, points to the conviction that US President Donald Trump prioritizes other regions.

The European Union is preparing to intensify tests of the rules that obligate the bloc’s 27 member states to help each other in times of crisis.

This comes as the reality sinks in that Washington’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and to European security under Trump is evaporating.

European media and experts are echoing this situation and pointing to a need for stability in how crises, both economic and military, are addressed.

The leaders will work on an operational plan to make the most of the Union’s military, security, trade policy, and other resources in times of need at a summit in Cyprus that begins later on Thursday, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said.

EU envoys will participate in tabletop exercises in mid-May to simulate how Article 42.7 of the bloc’s treaties could be used to provide collective assistance to a country.

While the focus is primarily military, financial, trade, and economic issues are also being addressed.

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