AP: EU concerned over US support for Ukraine if Trump re-elected

As the United States approaches its presidential election, European allies are bracing for a future marked by unpredictability, regardless of the outcome.

Concerns are particularly acute regarding the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, especially in light of his past foreign policy decisions and an evolving geopolitical landscape, Caliber.Az reports per Associated Press.

The backdrop to this election is Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, where the US has played a pivotal role in supporting Kyiv.

However, European leaders are questioning the continuity of this support should Trump be re-elected, as his previous presidency was characterised by an ambivalence towards NATO and a penchant for imposing tariffs on allies.

A victory for Vice President Kamala Harris might signal a continuation of current policies, but increasing war fatigue in the US and opposition from Republicans could diminish European support.

Experts like Rachel Tausendfreund from the German Council on Foreign Relations highlight a fundamental shift in US priorities, with a pronounced pivot towards Asia. This shift raises concerns about Europe’s diminished importance in US foreign policy.

Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the US focus on the Indo-Pacific region will inevitably impact its engagement in Europe.

Furthermore, Ian Lesser from the German Marshall Fund emphasises Europe’s urgent need for predictability from Washington, which is currently lacking. He points out that while Harris’s potential administration may maintain continuity, the uncertainties presented by a Trump presidency could significantly disrupt transatlantic relations.

Europe’s defence spending has historically been a contentious issue for US administrations. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO has seen increased commitments from its members, with forecasts indicating that 23 out of 32 allies are expected to meet the 2% GDP defence spending target this year.

However, the ongoing war underscores the higher stakes involved in any US shift away from European security commitments.

In summary, as the US election approaches, European allies are left navigating a landscape of uncertainty, marked by concerns over both a potential Trump presidency and a broader reorientation of US foreign policy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev