FT: European capitals on high alert ahead of Trump's potential return

As polls opened today, the European Union's months of concern and preparation for a potential return of President Donald Trump culminated in a pivotal moment that could reshape European defence, trade, and transatlantic relations for generations.

Major EU capitals, along with the European Commission, have engaged in preparations, establishing a working group earlier this year to devise response strategies for a Trump presidency, Caliber.Az reports per Financial Times (FT).

“In 2016, we were essentially hoping for the best,” remarked a senior EU diplomat regarding Trump’s initial election. “Now, at least there has been some preparation... in theory.”

These strategies include a pre-emptive trade agreement aimed at countering his threats of blanket import tariffs, as well as initiatives to mitigate any reduction in US military support to Europe.

Despite these efforts, many senior officials within the EU remain sceptical about the actual efficacy of such plans, viewing them more as theoretical assurances than practical solutions. “We say we know what he is like,” noted a senior EU official involved in the discussions on Trump-proofing. “But we don’t know what he is like.”

There is also concern that a victory for Kamala Harris, should she succeed in the elections, should not lead to complacency within the EU. Long-standing issues, such as Europe's growing competitiveness gap with the US and its reliance on American defence and security, necessitate ongoing efforts to address these challenges, irrespective of the outcome of the US elections.

Internal assessments reviewed by the Financial Times suggest that a Harris administration would likely continue Joe Biden’s policies, which include existing soft protectionist measures and a focus on China as the principal geopolitical concern, potentially to the detriment of European interests.

“We will work with Kamala Harris, we will work with Donald Trump—there is no doubt about that,” said NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. He added a sobering reminder of the stakes involved: “It is in our interest here, but also in the United States’, as they are not looking to repeat the mistakes made after the First World War by withdrawing from Europe.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev