The allies of the United States in Europe congratulated President-elect Donald Trump, after he won the presidential elections against his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, despite “deep fears” on the Old Continent about Trump’s second term and its impact on transatlantic relations.
Despite the warm words of congratulations, European allies are preparing for a whirlwind trip, according to Garrett Martin, co-director of the Center for Transatlantic Policy at American University in Washington.
He said in statements to radio Voice of America (Voice of America): “Trump’s four years in office were somewhat turbulent, and there were moments of constant bickering, divisions, and a lack of cohesion.”
He continued: “I think this happened at a time when the situation was less dangerous than it is now.”
“We have now been in the middle of a major war in Ukraine for two and a half years, and at the very least we can assume that we are likely to see a repeat of the tension we saw previously,” Martin added.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Trump on his victory in the US elections, stressing that he wants to work with the United States “to encourage prosperity and freedom.”
Trump’s second term… Expectations of different relations with allies and competitors
During his first term, Trump was known for his unconventional style in foreign policy, and for making controversial decisions related to trade, international agreements, and security partnerships.
The German Chancellor continued on the “X” platform: “Germany and the United States have long been successfully cooperating together to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the benefit of our citizens.”
Schulz also called on Trump to continue cooperation, saying that the two countries are “stronger together,” adding: “Together we can do much more than we do against each other.”
Relations between the two countries deteriorated during the Trump era (2017-2021), who launched preventive measures that particularly targeted European and Chinese imports.
Trump warned that he would increase tariffs by 20 percent on all products imported from abroad, a threat that worries German companies that rely heavily on exports.
The Governor of the French Central Bank also considered that Trump’s victory “increases the risks threatening the global economy.”
Zelensky makes ‘excellent’ call with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump in an “excellent” call on Wednesday, following the Republican candidate’s victory over Democrat Kamala Harris in the presidential elections.
During a conference in the city of Lyon, details of which were reported by Agence France-Presse, François Villeroy de Galhault suggested that Trump’s second term would bring “more trade protectionism” and more “deficit” in the US budget.
Villeroy said that “the US elections should sound the alarm for Europe” after “a long period of inaction.”
But he also warned that “Europe is entering this new context with clear weaknesses,” including “technological decline and political divisions.”
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was quick to congratulate Trump on his “astonishing victory,” noting that he hopes his presidency will bring “Ukraine closer to a just peace.”
Zelensky wrote on his social media accounts on Wednesday: “I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach to global affairs,” adding: “This is exactly the principle capable of bringing a just peace closer in Ukraine.”
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also extended her “warm” congratulations to Trump, reiterating the importance of the European and American “people-to-people partnership.”
European Council President Charles Michel followed suit, saying that “the European Union looks forward to continuing its constructive cooperation” with the United States, recalling the “historic” relationship between Washington and Brussels.
French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Trump in a message on the “X” platform, in which he said that he was “ready to work together as we were able to do for 4 years” during the Republican’s first term.
He continued: “We will work for a more united, stronger and more sovereign Europe in this new context. By cooperating with the United States and defending our interests and values.”