European leaders did not wait for the final results to congratulate Republican candidate Donald Trump on his election as the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday 6 November. He will take office on 20 January 2025.
In a statement, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen “warmly” congratulated Mr Trump, looking forward to working with him again “to advance a strong transatlantic agenda”. “The European Union and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people (...). This bond runs deep, rooted in our shared history, commitment to freedom and democracy, and common goals of security and opportunity for all”, she reminded the audience.
Pursuing economic cooperation. Ms von der Leyen called for working together towards a transatlantic partnership “that continues to deliver for our citizens”. “Millions of jobs and billions in trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic depend on the dynamism and stability of our economic relationship”, said the president of the European Commission.
Europeans are worried about a possible trade war with the United States. During the campaign, the Republican candidate described the EU as a “mini China”. “[The Europeans] don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products, they don’t take anything. [We] have a $312 billion deficit with the EU. The EU is a mini - but not so mini - it’s a mini China”, he said in an interview. He repeated that, for him, “’tariff’ is the most beautiful word”.
According to EU High Representative Josep Borrell, “This election will be consequential for all regions of the world, including Ukraine and the Middle East, where global security is at risk”. During the campaign, Mr Trump promised to resolve the conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours if elected. “Through its common foreign and security policy, the EU will spare no effort to maintain vibrant relations with the US. At the same time, the EU will continue its efforts to promote its strategic responsibilities from security and defence to climate, to build a strong and sovereign Europe”, promised Mr Borrell.
President of the European Council Charles Michel recalled that the EU and the United States had “an enduring alliance and historic bond”. “As allies and friends, the EU looks forward to the continuation of our constructive cooperation”, he explained on X, adding that the EU would continue “in line with the strategic agenda as a strong, united, competitive and sovereign partner within the rules-based multilateral system”.
The same applies to French President Emmanuel Macron. After a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he promised, on X, that they would “work for a more united, stronger, more sovereign Europe in this new context. By cooperating with the United States of America and defending our interests and values”.
“Europe is ready. Ready to cooperate as we address unprecedented geopolitical challenges. To keep the transatlantic bond strong, rooted in shared values of freedom, human rights, democracy and open markets”, stressed President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose country holds the presidency of the EU Council, called the Republican candidate’s “enormous” victory “the biggest comeback in US political history” and “a much needed victory for the world”.
NATO is important for the security of Americans, says Mr Rutte. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte looked forward to working with Mr Trump again “to advance peace through strength through NATO”. “Through NATO, the US has 31 friends and Allies who help to advance US interests, multiply American power and keep Americans safe”, Rutte recalled in his statement, while Trump has been critical of the Alliance.
The Secretary General pointed out that two-thirds of the Allies were now devoting at least 2% of their GDP to defence and that defence spending and production were increasing across the Alliance. During his first term in office, Mr Trump made respect for the 2% his hobbyhorse. More recently, he threatened not to defend Allies who did not spend enough on defence.
The EU prepared. The outcome of the US elections will be discussed at the informal summit dinner of European leaders in Budapest on Thursday 7 November (see other news). The subject was also discussed by the ambassadors of the Member States to the EU on Wednesday morning. One European diplomat wanted to be reassuring, saying that he had “not really” felt any “hangover atmosphere”, as the EU and its Member States were “very well prepared”.
For his part, European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer explained that the Commission had prepared for the outcome of the American election, whatever it might be. These preparations focused on “the various policy areas that may affect the EU in terms of policies that could be implemented by the new president and the new administration”, he explained. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)