PARIS (AFP) - European leaders are pushing for more strategic autonomy as Donald Trump's victory in US presidential elections sets the stage for a dramatic shift in transatlantic relations.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday renewed their commitment to building a “more united, stronger, more sovereign Europe” – an ambition they view as critical in light of Trump’s return to the White House.
The two leaders spoke by phone to discuss the implications of the US vote, affirming their shared goal to defend European interests and values while still cooperating with the United States.
Europe must focus on its own capabilities rather than fixate on US actions, the French government insisted.
"We must not ask ourselves what the United States will do, but what Europe is capable of doing", said government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon on French radio RTL.
Germany's foreign minister struck a similar tone.
"We must now think big and make big investments in our European security," said Annalena Baerbock after congratulating Trump on his win.
“This also means that we must free ourselves from the shackles we have put on ourselves, especially when it comes to investing in our security in Germany and the European Union.”
However, she added, this push for self-sufficiency should not replace Europe’s transatlantic partnership.
TRANSATLANTIC SHIFT
European leaders are rallying around the need for increased autonomy across several key areas, including defence, industrial recovery and climate initiatives.
Trump’s re-election could signal major shifts in transatlantic relations – especially concerning trade, security and aid to Ukraine.
Under Joe Biden, the US provided tens of billions of dollars in military and financial support to Kyiv – a contentious issue among US Republicans.
Many American conservatives oppose further aid to Ukraine. Trump's public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised fears he might cut US support and weapons supplies.
ISOLATIONIST POLICIES
Trump may also attempt to negotiate a ceasefire directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially sidelining Ukrainian and European objectives.
While it is likely that Trump would still supply arms to Kyiv, such support could be contingent on European nations increasing their contributions to Ukraine's defence.
Trump's approach could also tilt towards an isolationist foreign policy, a viewpoint that has gained traction within the Republican Party.
In the past, Trump has suggested that the US would not defend NATO allies who do not meet specified defence spending obligations – a significant shift away from the US’s traditional role as a guarantor for security in Europe – emphasising that the continent must prepare for a future without the same level of US engagement.
TRADE RELATIONS
Brussels is also preparing for potential friction over trade, as a new Trump administration may introduce protectionist policies impacting the European Union.
Trump has previously flagged his intentions to impose tariffs on imports from multiple countries, including a substantial increase on Chinese goods. Such a shift threatens to disrupt the intricate trade ties that underpin the EU’s economy.
The United States stands as the EU’s largest trading partner, with trade exchanges soaring to over €870 billion in 2022.
However, Trump’s repeated criticism of the EU’s trade practices signals a shift that could lead to retaliatory measures, complicating relations between Brussels and Washington.
As another four years of Trump's unpredictability looms over the continent, Brussels is bracing itself for a transition in global relations that may reshape traditional alliances and partnerships, putting the future of EU-US relations in a precarious position.