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What does President-elect Trump's victory mean for NATO and Europe?

2024-11-08 15:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Allies of the United States in Europe are debating what Republican Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election means for their security and economy. President Trump's first term in the White House was characterized by often tense relations with European Union and NATO partners.

As Voice of America correspondent Henry Ridgewell reports, Russia's attack on Ukraine has increased Europe's concerns about the transatlantic alliance.

About 50 leaders met in Budapest on Thursday for a conference of the European Political Community, founded after Russia's attack on Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron says Europe must protect its interests as preparations begin for Mr Trump's next term in the United States.

"He will protect the interests of the American people and that is a legitimate and good thing. The question is, are we ready to protect the interests of the Europeans?" declared President Macron.

The NATO alliance remains the main pillar of Europe's security in the face of Russia's attack on Ukraine.

"The first complication for the alliance is how to continue support for Ukraine if the United States decides to withdraw military aid," says Ed Arnold of the British institute "Royal United Services".

Can Europe fill this gap?

"Yes, but Europe should try much harder in this direction," says analyst Ian Bond from the Center for European Reform.

During the campaign, Mr Trump said he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine "on day one" - but gave no details on how he would do so. Analysts say Ukraine fears being forced into an unfavorable peace deal.

"One of the concerns is that some in Europe may ask why should we increase aid if there will be a negotiated agreement soon?" says analyst Arnold.

Former US officials say that during his first term, Mr Trump considered withdrawing the US from NATO entirely.

"I think he likes the idea that both his allies and his opponents cannot predict his actions. I think he considers this as his advantage, as a source of his power," says the American foreign policy analyst at the University of London, Jonathan Monten.

But NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte - who was also attending the Budapest meeting - praised Mr Trump for urging allies to spend more on defence.

"As president, he was the one who encouraged us in NATO to spend over 2 percent of the gross national product to meet the minimum obligation," he declared.

Allies of the United States may face economic concerns when Mr. Trump begins his term in the White House.

"Mr. Trump's statements or claims about imposing tariffs on more than 60 percent of imports from China will have a very big impact on world trade. There will be consequences for Europe, Great Britain and other countries. Tariffs on imports from the EU are also expected," says analyst Garret Martin from the American University in Washington.

In general, there is a sense of nervousness in Europe ahead of Mr. Donald Trump's second presidential term. Analysts say the fact that he is unpredictable means that leaders have no chance to even prepare. /VOA