At a critical summit in Budapest, European leaders are assessing the implications of Donald Trump's election to a second presidential term, a move likely to reshape trans-Atlantic relations.
With Trump's campaign signaling potential trade conflicts, NATO withdrawal threats, and shifts in support for Ukraine, the European Union is bracing for challenges ahead. The EU's 27 nations are especially wary of a sharp pivot in U.S. foreign policy that could impact trade, security, and stability across the continent.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Trump supporter, was thrilled by the result, praising Trump's "brilliant victory" as a symbol of hope for peace. Hosting the summit, Orbán sees Trump's return as a chance to solidify his own agenda, which aligns with Trump's hard-line stance on national sovereignty and opposition to liberal policies within the EU.
Trade, NATO, and Ukraine
Trump's previous administration soured relations with the EU through tariffs on European steel and aluminum, which triggered retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products including motorcycles and bourbon.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while congratulating Trump, stressed the importance of the trans-Atlantic partnership, noting that millions of jobs and billions in trade rely on stable relations. EU leaders are concerned that Trump's return could bring similar confrontations, along with shifts in NATO commitments.
The EU's focus on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression also hangs in the balance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expected at the summit, aims to secure continued European support amid uncertainty over U.S. aid.
Trump's pledge to negotiate peace "within 24 hours" has raised alarms in Kyiv, where leaders fear it could mean weakened U.S. backing.
Orbán's Triumph and Tensions
Orbán's admiration for Trump has often put him at odds with other EU leaders, and his support for Trump's "man of peace" label underpins his agenda for the EU. Now holding the EU Council presidency, Orbán's influence has surged, allowing him to host and direct major European meetings, including this week's European Political Community (EPC) summit and the upcoming EU Council session.
Peter Kreko, of the Political Capital think tank, noted that Orbán's "foreign policy dream" has come true, giving him a stronger platform to push for policies more in line with Trump's worldview.
Calls for European Independence
Not all EU leaders are comfortable with Europe's fate being intertwined with U.S. politics. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need for European self-reliance, arguing that Europe should "believe in its own strength" rather than rely on American political outcomes. Tusk urged the EU to forge an independent path, asserting that Europe's future should not hinge on U.S. elections.
As the EU gathers to navigate Trump's second term, these divergent views highlight the challenges of aligning European policies amid internal disagreements and shifting U.S. relations. The outcome of these discussions could redefine Europe's political landscape in an era of heightened global tensions.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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