European leaders are urging greater unity and close coordination in light of Donald Trump’s election victory, with France and Germany emphasizing the challenges his “America First” policies may bring. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, while offering congratulations, highlighted concerns over the potential economic impact, including the threat of trade wars, tariffs, and a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine. Both leaders stressed the importance of a strong, united EU to navigate the new global landscape, but noted that achieving consensus could prove difficult due to internal divisions within the bloc.
Despite concerns, including Trump’s past criticisms of NATO and his ambivalence toward Ukraine, European officials expressed hope that the economic ties between the U.S. and EU would help mitigate trade tensions. However, the looming threat of tariffs and the possibility of trade wars raised alarms, especially as Trump has proposed steep tariffs on imports. Furthermore, the changing dynamics of U.S. foreign policy under Trump could push Europe to rethink its role, particularly in terms of defense spending and security.
While many European leaders, including Hungary’s Viktor Orban, are open to closer cooperation with the incoming U.S. administration, others like German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock have stressed the need for Europe to take more responsibility for its security. With crucial EU meetings scheduled in Budapest, the coming weeks will likely set the stage for Europe’s strategy in response to Trump’s presidency.
