Trump's potential return could reshape EU defence and economy
As EU diplomats told the Politico portal, Donald Trump's victory could mobilise the European Union to take necessary steps towards strengthening defence and the economy. Diplomats believe that the Republican leader's presidency could "be a beneficial shock that will enable the EU to move forward."
- The return of Trump would be a beneficial shock that will enable the EU to move forward, like the pandemic or the energy crisis following the war in Ukraine, a high-ranking EU diplomat told Politico.
EU diplomatic sources mentioned that the victory of the Republican candidate would primarily impact the Community's defence policy. The return of Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the United States from NATO, would pressure Europe to increase its military spending, for example, through the joint issuance of bonds.
The second such area is the economy. According to some diplomats, Trump's accession to the US presidency could encourage Europe to boost investments in industry and further integrate the common market. They say that this could prevent the "economic decline," as warned in a report by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.
According to Politico's sources, the victory of the Republican candidate might strengthen the faction favouring a tougher stance against China. The portal indicates that while Joe Biden avoided putting the EU in a "us or them" choice, Trump would not have such reservations.
A major shift in US-EU relations is coming
As stated by one of the portal's sources, this would help European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen overcome the resistance of those member states that advocate for a softer approach.
However, regardless of who wins, Europe should build its autonomy - Politico's sources emphasised. "Europe should prepare for a big change in EU-U.S. relations, no matter who is elected," the portal wrote.
