Mandate from 2013 ... indeed a lot has changed, but Obama and VP Biden were well aware of the initiative ... the US quitting the JCPOA and bullying its way through the WTO - WHO - ME Peace - UNHCR - UN funding and putting sanctions on EU/NATO allies is not a manner of how allies treat one another. The Brexit show of force was not the English by itself, but had US support to undermine the EU. It is a natural proces, continents drifting apart. A very wise push-back by "Old Europe". Let the countries with criticism abide by the rules of the EU and Four Freedoms.

Germany and role as chair of EU

Italy was also unhappy that French President Emmanuel Macron was invited take part in a video conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping alongside Merkel, who represents the EU presidency, while other EU leaders do not.

...
Two diplomats said Macron had benefited certain companies, such as Airbus. Merkel, another official said, reaching an agreement with Macron under which he will finalize the agreement under the German presidency, while ratification and signing of the agreement will be completed under the presidency of the French Council in the first half of 2022.

[Source: Politico.eu]

4 years of trump doing trump and this is somehow perplexing. SMH

— Sam (@sam91860232) December 30, 2020

As the Republican members of US Congress are kept busy driving election lawsuits and blocking the votes in the Electoral College next week ... keep up the good work people .. safe our democracy. The rightwing idiots wanted to bust the EU and supported the Tories and UKIP to force Brexit on the British people. Nigel Farage in royal embrace in Trump's Tower in NY to sollicit the job of special envoy in 2016. The UK as Trojan Horse for the US in Brussels. Looking forward to 01-20-2021 12:00 hrs and Trump's Exit ... nice!