US election results

Citizens participating in the US presidential election have pushed the political agenda towards domestic priorities. Although Europeans have been looking at these elections as one that would have massive implications on our own affairs, Europe’s concerns are clearly not the main issues for the American voters and we need to brace for a period when the US redefines its role and strategies in global politics and economics. 

Donald Trump’s return to the White House and a Republican majority in both the House of Representatives and Senate spell danger not only for domestic American politics but also for its ripple effects in the EU. Trump’s victory may further embolden and empower far-right movements within Europe and around the world. The general anti-populist language which has dominated the mainstream discourse in the past decade has failed to contain and roll back these trends and progressive forces – in both North-America and Europe – will need a better strategy with a clearer economic and social focus. 

Apparently, half of the US electorate does not mind voting for a person and a leadership style which most in continental Europe would consider not just extravagant but extreme. People wonder how strong the foundations of US democracy are and whether Washington would still be able to play a leading role in democratic developments in the world. A transatlantic dialogue on such matters would be critically important. 

The first Trump presidency unleashed various forms of economic warfare against Europe and there is today a high risk of descending into such precarious relations again. For Europe, there should be no ambiguity about the importance of multilateralism as a general framework for international trade and investment relations, and maintaining a good spirit of economic cooperation in the transatlantic space. 

The EU must relaunch internal discussions and strategy building to advance its goal of strategic autonomy, positioning itself as an independent actor on the global stage. In an increasingly multipolar world and amid renewed calls to reform the multilateral system and make it fit for purpose, the EU also has the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded countries to drive change forward, including new partnerships with democratic countries in the Global South, such as Brazil and South Africa. 

Neither hot nor trade wars are in Europe’s interest, and if there is one way, international conflicts should be solved through negotiations, and in a multilateral framework. The EU must pursue a more independent relationship with China, balancing cooperation on global challenges with a firm commitment to European values. 

The return of Donald Trump should be a momentum for the EU to fully commit to the UN Pact for the Future and to insist that civic rights, equality, and democracy are protected globally. 

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Tonight, as the dust settles from the US presidential elections, watch the recording of our event “State of the Unions“, co-hosted by FEPS and the German Marshall Fund.

FEPS is committed to the renewal of multilateralism, and reforming world governance to address current global challenges. Read proposals and insights on how to conduct this renewal with the book “A New Global Deal“, part of FEPS ‘UNited for’ flagship project. The book has been promoted globally, including at the UN Summit of the Future.

Read the special Election Observatory on the US elections!

Cover photo credit: Shutterstock/Frame stock footage