The Future of the European Union After the US Elections

Writing by. Mohamed el masry 

25 October 2024

There are some differences between Harris and Trump, for sure,” European Council President Michel said. “In the short term, it will be different. But in the medium term, in the long term, are we sure it will be radically different?”

EU countries are anxiously awaiting a nerve-wracking transatlantic vote next month that could return the mercurial former president Trump to power

The vote comes at a critical juncture for the EU as Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor Ukraine approaches its fourth year.

Trump has rattled Washington’s European allies by threatening to tear up NATO, striking a quick deal with Moscow over Ukraine, and imposing trade tariffs.

 “In terms of economic partnerships, do you think that with or without Harris, with or without Trump, the United States will not be a leading country? 

The 27-nation bloc “should not reflect that we are afraid because we do not know who will be the next president of the United States,” Michel said. 

“I do not want my children to depend on who will be the next president of the United States, who will be the president of China, Russia,” he said. 

“I want my children and my grandchildren to be in control of their own destiny, because in Europe we decide what our future is and what our destiny is,” he added. 

The United States and European Union countries have provided the bulk of support to Kiev in a battle that many in Europe see as an existential struggle for the continent’s security. 

But Trump has cast doubt on continued US aid to Ukraine. 

Michel said the EU must step up its “military and financial support” for Kiev after Western powers said North Korea had sent troops to Russia. 

“This is again an escalation by Russia,” he said. 

Recalling his five years leading EU summits, Michel said he regretted the bloc’s inability to play a role  Bigger in another global hotspot, the Middle East