The European Union finds itself at a crossroads, as important changes are taking place both inside and outside of Europe. And the outcome of this crossroads will undoubtedly affect many regions in the world, including the Middle East.

With the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU, a US president openly critical of the EU and the possibility of an anti-EU president at the French Elysee Palace, EU leaders will be forced to reassess their policies. EU’s foreign and security policies stand first in this reassessment line, as Brussels must redefine its relationship with the new US administration. With the United States and Russia both aspiring to a weaker EU and not exactly lamenting the Brexit, EU leadership is in the process of developing policies of greater independence.

Federica Mogherini, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, had her first meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Feb. 9. A senior official close to Mogherini told Al-Monitor that the meeting focused on mapping out the agenda for future discussions between the United States and the EU. The aim of the EU is to create a balance between compromises with US President Donald Trump’s administration and a more independent foreign policy, as defined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The issues on the US-EU agenda include the situation in Ukraine, the Iran deal, the fight against the Islamic State (IS) and other fundamentalist terror, the situation in Syria and an Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution.

Mogherini has said publicly that she is dismayed by the unorganized decision-making process of the White House, but she will keep an ongoing rapport with the US secretary of state. Her associates explain that the EU awaits the input of Russia on the US positions, especially in relation to Ukraine, the Iran deal, Syria and the war on IS.