Former European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso declared transatlantic relations have reached their "lowest moment" since NATO's creation. In a CNBC interview, he cited growing trust deficits extending beyond the EU to the UK. The assessment comes as U.S. President Donald Trump's Greenland ambitions and tariff threats strain diplomatic bonds.

Barroso described a "rupture phase" where alliances are increasingly transactional, not values-based. He called Trump "the great disruptor," tougher on friends than foes. This shift is accelerating Europe's push for "European sovereignty" in defense, reducing reliance on American support while NATO strengthens post-Ukraine invasion.

Despite the pessimism, Barroso warned against declaring NATO's end, noting the U.S. remains vital for European security. The alliance has grown with Finland and Sweden joining, bolstering its eastern flank. The key question is whether Europe can build credible defense autonomy without fracturing the alliance.