The inauguration ceremony of Donald J. Trump as the forty-seventh president of the United States of America marks the beginning of what seems to be a new political course for the country and for Europe. The various new developments have already sparked debates. Among these, the recent positions taken by President Trump regarding transatlantic relations and future relations with the European Union stand out. Trump has announced the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, threatened tariffs on European goods, and questioned the issue of defense, intertwining it with strategic challenges in the field of defense and security. The change of direction in many areas of American foreign policy is already underway. Upon taking office, Donald Trump signed about 50 executive orders, the highest number in American history. Among the decisions made, actions with strong identity significance stand out, such as the pardon of about 1,500 people involved in the Capitol Hill assault and the cessation of the practice of granting citizenship to children of migrants born on U.S. soil. Trump has transformed aggressive and impulsive rhetoric into a political strategy aimed at reviewing and negotiating new balances, not only with adversaries like China but also with close allies like Europe. Shortly after Trump’s appointment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on the election during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The Union is preparing to negotiate with a pragmatic approach from the beginning of the new administration. Von der Leyen is committed to maintaining a favorable balance with the Union’s main partner and ally. However, the idea of possible tariffs on European goods is a threat to European industry and SMEs, already struggling compared to their American counterparts, which have attracted skilled workers and investments away from Europe. This situation is particularly evident in the digital services and technology sectors. Europe has lost ground by flattening itself on regulations and norms that risk hindering emerging sectors. The United States, on the other hand, has consolidated its primacy. Europe must design and invest like never before to regain ground and maintain an equal relationship with the Atlantic partner. The risk is being overwhelmed by the possible new trade war between China and the United States, a conflict that would put countries like Germany in difficulty without a common European position. In this context, Europe can and must play a crucial role, while the United States adopts a more critical policy on multipolarism and international trade. Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Strategic Foresight, also emphasized to the European Parliament how the EU must ensure a multipolar global framework. This is based on solid and equal relations with global partners. Key roles are played by agreements such as the trade one between the EU and Mercosur, along with those already signed with Japan and South Korea. At the same time, dialogue with countries like India, Indonesia, and Malaysia proves crucial, strengthening established partnerships with Australia and New Zealand. In Africa, cooperation with Kenya and the strategic projects of the Global Gateway offer a concrete direction, countering Chinese and Russian expansionism. The defense of the European integration project also involves a reshaping of transatlantic relations in terms of defense and security. Trump pushes for greater responsibility of European allies in NATO. The future of Ukraine remains at the forefront, a vital issue for the European Union. In the European Parliament, the political groups supporting von der Leyen have highlighted the importance of a Europe capable of defending itself. This capability is essential to ensure that Ukraine obtains a just peace, avoiding negotiating from a position of inferiority towards Russia, whose use of force in disputes cannot be accepted. The United States will not withdraw from Europe, at least in the medium term: what will emerge instead is greater involvement of European allies on the ground. This scenario will put pressure on the European defense sector, which requires targeted choices and common investments to protect the Union’s interests. The challenges posed by the new Trump administration to Europe are global and structural, and the responses must focus on unity and the development of common strategies. This aspect represents the key to ensuring the future of the European integration project.
Trump Again: Analysis of the Vote and Possible Scenarios
Last week, U.S. citizens elected the 47th President of the United States. The voters chose the well-known and controversial Republican candidate, Donald J. Trump, who previously served as president from 2016 to 2020. For the Democratic Party, which decided to back...