The President’s Inbox Europe Reacts to Trump’s Victory, With Liana Fix and Matthias Matthijs (Transition 2025, Episode 4)
Nov 26, 2024
Liana Fix, a CFR fellow focusing on European security and transatlantic relations, and Matthias Matthijs, a senior fellow specializing in Europe’s political economy, join James M. Lindsay to unpack Europe's strategy for a potential second Trump administration. They discuss how political turmoil in Germany could reshape EU relations and the pressures of trade policies and defense spending. The conversation also touches on the EU's digital regulations amid U.S. tensions and the growing perception of China as a security threat, influencing European economic strategies.
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Europe's Surprised Reaction
- European governments were surprised by Trump's win, despite polls showing a close race.
- This surprise, combined with political instability in Germany and France, has created a leadership void in the EU.
Varied European Reactions
- Most of Europe preferred Kamala Harris, with stronger support in Western Europe and Scandinavia.
- The UK is in an awkward position, having openly supported Harris, while France hopes to make the relationship work again.
Central Europe's Response
- Viktor Orbán in Hungary is pleased with Trump's victory but his closeness to China may cause issues.
- Poland hopes to leverage its good relationship with Trump, potentially regarding US nuclear weapons stationed in Germany.