RIGA, Latvia — A trade war with the United States looms. Populists have taken power in Italy, posing a new threat to the euro. Growth is sluggish, and there is even talk of another banking crisis.

It would not seem the ideal time to put the brakes on Europe’s economy. But that is what the European Central Bank is preparing to do.

For more than a decade, the central bank unleashed a wave of cash to stimulate growth, effectively saving Europe from the wrenching consequences of its debt crisis. The bank said Thursday that the era of easy money was over, and outlined plans to completely remove its support by December.

In essence, the bank is declaring the region cured, or at least strong enough to stand on its own. It is signaling that it doesn’t want to be in the business of saving politicians from themselves or responding to every dip in growth with a new dose of stimulus. And it is under pressure to remain in sync with a crucial trading partner after the United States Federal Reserve raised its main interest rate on Wednesday.