The victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election has raised concerns about the future of Ukraine and European defense. Trump had previously stated that he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, leading to fears that Kyiv may be pressured to make concessions to Russia to secure a quick peace deal. Some European experts have expressed uncertainty about the implications of Trump’s approach to the conflict, with some hoping for a resolution to the war but also emphasizing the need for Europe to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
Reactions within the European Parliament to Trump’s victory have been mixed. Some, like António Tânger Corrêa, have expressed optimism about the potential for an end to the war in Ukraine but have also called for increased investment in European defense. Corrêa, a far-right Portuguese MEP, emphasized the importance of having strong defense capabilities to prevent wars, even if direct involvement in conflicts like the one in Ukraine is avoided. Others, like Belgian MEP Elio Di Rupo, have highlighted the need for Europe to develop its own industrial policy and security and defense capabilities in light of the US’s “America first” approach and decreased interventionism.
Di Rupo, an MEP and former prime minister of Belgium, argued that Europe must not rely solely on the United States for security within NATO and instead should strive to have its own capabilities. He lamented that Europe has not been at the forefront of developing new technologies and defense mechanisms to ensure the security of its citizens, and he stressed the importance of Europe taking the initiative in its own security and defense. Despite concerns about potential changes in US foreign policy under Trump, some in Brussels see his victory as an opportunity for Europe to reassess its own security priorities and strengthen its ability to address security threats.
The implications of a Republican return to the White House on European defense and the war in Ukraine remain uncertain. While some European politicians and experts are optimistic about the potential for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and see Trump’s victory as an opportunity for Europe to prioritize its security interests, others are concerned about the implications of US non-interventionism and the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities. The debate within the European Parliament reflects a diversity of opinions on how Europe should respond to the changing dynamics of transatlantic relations and its own security challenges. Ultimately, the future of European defense and security will depend on how Europe navigates its relationship with the US under a Republican administration and takes steps to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
