Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
Dozens of European leaders will be assessing a new global outlook during a one-day summit in Hungary’s capital today, with the knowledge that the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president could have far-reaching consequences for the continent.
Despite myriad economic problems and two wars in the neighborhood, all eyes will be glued on Washington to see whether Trump’s return will cause political strife throughout the continent, much like his first presidency did.
It was already beyond doubt that the trans-Atlantic relationship would change after Tuesday’s vote. But the question is whether that change might be seismic under Trump’s second presidency.
For summit host and ardent Trump fan, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, things were already crystal clear even as votes were still being counted. “Good morning, Hungary! On the way to a beautiful victory. It’s already in the bag,” Orbán said yesterday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Trump once his victory became clear, and said that the European Union and and the United States “are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens.”
“Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens. Millions of jobs and billions in trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic depend on the dynamism and stability of our economic relationship,” she said.
During Trump’s last presidency, trans-Atlantic economic relations were anything but stable and are expected to be equally tough during his new term in the Oval Office.
His administration slapped taxes on EU steel and aluminum in 2018, based on the claim that foreign products produced by American allies were a threat to U.S. national security. Europeans and other allies reacted with duties on U.S.-made motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter and jeans, among other items.
The impact of the U.S. election result could be felt in Europe for years to come, on issues including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as migration or climate change.
The string of geopolitical conflicts “is putting peace, stability and prosperity at risk in our region,” said the invitation letter to the leaders of the European Political Community, which unites almost 50 nations across Europe, barring Russia and Belarus.
Among the leaders likely to attend today is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is expected to make another plea for more aid as his country fends off Moscow’s invasion. The timing is laden with significance as Trump has vowed to end the war “within 24 hours” of being elected — something leaders in Kyiv interpret as an impending evaporation of U.S. support should Trump win. BRAF CASERT & JUSTIN SPIKE, BUDAPEST, MDT/AP
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