United States Presidential Election 2024: Trump’s Victory Forces Europe to Cooperate
Donald Trump’s election as the 47th President of the United States, and his return to the White House after a four-year hiatus, raises concerns in Europe. Vice President Kamala Harris’s victory was widely hoped for in Europe, as it was thought to continue the predictable and Europe-friendly foreign policy line of the incumbent President Joe Biden. Trump’s approach, on the other hand, has previously been unpredictable, raising doubts about how transatlantic cooperation and especially European security will develop in the future. Particularly, Trump’s critical remarks about NATO and uncertainty regarding support for Ukraine have been major points of concern.
Trump’s election brings a change where Europe increasingly has to take responsibility for its own security. However, this can provide an opportunity to strengthen European integration and its profile in international politics. Trump’s first term promoted EU unity as member states intensified their cooperation in response to uncertainties in U.S. policy. At the same time, Europe’s political landscape is also challenged by internal problems, such as insufficient actions to curb climate change and biodiversity loss, economic challenges, and the rise of the far-right.
The latter is partly reflected in Trump’s influence: his rhetoric and policies have inspired populist and nationalist movements in Europe. This development challenges the EU’s liberal values and forces European leaders to respond more strongly. According to EU leaders, Trump’s victory is a reminder that the relationship between Europe and the United States cannot be based solely on U.S. support – Europe must be able to take greater responsibility for its own defense, overall security, and position in global politics.
Trump’s second term differs from the first, as this time he has a more experienced team and stronger support in a Republican-controlled Congress. This so-called Republican trifecta – president, House of Representatives, and Senate – gives Trump more power to push through his policies without significant obstacles. This could mean a protectionist line in both domestic and foreign policy. The protectionism of the world’s largest economy would inevitably affect Europe and require adaptation to the new situation in both trade and security policy.
Although Trump’s victory brings uncertainty, it also offers Europe the opportunity to strengthen its role as a global actor. Now is the time to decide whether the EU wants to be a bystander or an active influencer in international politics. The EU institutions will need courage and unity in the upcoming parliamentary term, but also active and determined action to ensure that Europe remains a strong and unified player on the world stage.
Cevor Tikerpuu
The author is an intern at Blic, who hopes for courage and unity for Europe as a global leader as U.S. foreign policy enters a new era.