Editor's note: Thomas O. Falk is a London-based political analyst and commentator. He holds a Master of Arts in international relations from the University of Birmingham and specializes in U.S. affairs. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

Donald Trump departs, Biden arrives. Does the change in personnel automatically equate to a healthier relationship between the U.S. and Europe? No. Because when it comes to international relations, it's not about the individual matters, but rather power and geopolitical interests.

Widespread ignorance of the elites on both sides of the Atlantic with regard to the dissatisfaction of large sections of the population and a fundamental crisis in political representation had recently taken the momentum out of transatlantic relations.

President Joe Biden frequently announced his desire to restore the relationship with Europe that, if not destroyed, was severely damaged under Trump. From day one, it was a fundamental principle of the Biden-Harris administration to consult with friends and allies in Europe.

However, after six months in office, one has to realize that, just like any other politician, it is not the words and intentions that matter but the actions taken.Yes, the tone has improved under Biden. Biden also canceled Trump's troop withdrawal from Germany and accepted the Nord Stream 2.

However, it does by no means change the America First approach that has remained omnipresent – even under Biden.The most recent example was Angela Merkel's visit to Washington.Biden extensively praised Merkel as a friend and a politician who had strengthened relations with the U.S. during her time. However, Merkel did not praised much about her U.S. counterpart.

Example entry ban for Europeans: although Donald Trump, as one of his final official acts as Commander in Chief, ordered the lifting of entry restrictions for Europeans, Biden overturned the decision as soon as he entered office.

The restrictions are still in place, although vaccination rates are high in Europe and Americans are already allowed to re-enter Europe. Biden only stated that he intended to coordinate this with his COVID-19 team and that, perhaps, the entry ban would be lifted soon.

In international relations, the common procedure is usually a quid pro quo and an equal right for both parties. Ergo, if Americans are allowed to enter Europe, Europeans should also be allowed into the U.S. Speaking for a renewed transatlantic relationship becomes problematic when one is treated as unequal by Washington.

Example punitive tariffs: economic theory and history have consistently warned that tariffs neither reduce trade deficits nor increase a nation's real income. It is a lose-lose proposition for everyone involved. 

However, Biden is not abolishing Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminium. It is no coincidence. While he is not articulating it the same way Trump did, these tariffs can only be labeled as an America First tool, as, in the end, they aim to protect U.S. interests while harming EU interests. 

Example China: like Trump, Biden seeks to vehemently involve the Europeans in his quest for maintaining American hegemony against China. But the Europeans are at odds. In Germany, economic interests have the upper hand. It considers itself a civil or peaceful power, which applies – with the exception of UK and France – to the Europeans and the EU as a whole.

The old chasm will remain for the next three years of Biden's term. And he will keep up the pressure on Europe as a whole to join his "team" and form a united front against China. This is not an approach led by unilateral interests but solely by America's desire to remain its hegemony.

In her legendary beer tent speech in 2017, Angela Merkel ushered in the idea of European independence since the times were "a bit over" when "we could completely rely on others," meaning Donald Trump and his new way of conducting the transatlantic relationship. Four years later, however, Merkel's words still hold water.

From a European perspective, one can go as far as to say that the Biden presidency regarding U.S.-European relations, to this point, has been the continuation of the Trump presidency – albeit with a different face and a friendlier tone. This will not change unless Biden starts to put actions behind his often charming and neighborly words.  

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