European diplomats in Washington are relying on ‘strategic patience’ while they try to chart a new course with the White House. Ambassadors, academics and others have personally invested in a strong relationship between the EU and the USA. The relationship is built on a shared belief in European integration. The current version of the EU was established with a treaty signed in Maastricht on 7 February 1992: the anniversary was celebrated this week in Maastricht, New York and other cities. For the USA, the EU has provided a forum for a unified approach towards global issues. Its leaders have worked closely with US officials on trade, counter-terrorism, and sanctions against Russia. Now European officials are trying to come to terms with the new administration and its hostile attitude to the EU - and are wondering how the relationship between Washington and Brussels will evolve in this environment.