Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the 2024 US presidential elections. His comeback has forced the European Union to rethink its policies again. In November 2024, the European Council Summit was hosted in Budapest. During this summit, several European leaders came on a single platform to boost economic prosperity, competitiveness, and climate neutrality. This change is evident in their growing concern for the status of Europe on the world map.
Many European leaders have presented different approaches. President Macron called for a stronger Europe that could tackle challenges across the world. He believes that Europe should be big enough to tackle all such global challenges.
The other German Chancellor Scholz highlights the importance of the fact that cooperation between the US and Europe will ensure security for Europe. Italian Prime Minister Meloni said that instead of depending on any other country, Europe needs to make its moves better. Trump’s views like his preference for a bilateral deal will split the European Union. This is because every country is trying to win the favor of the United States. The European Union needs to put unity and collective action above everything. This is the only way to protect Europe’s interests and prevent fragmentation.
The European Union has many challenges ahead
The EU faces a great challenge in handling the unpredictable actions of President-elect Trump, whose threats of raising tariffs can badly hurt the economy of Europe. Tariffs would shrink the GDP of the eurozone by 0.7%. Germany and Italy are highly vulnerable. This economic risk may make European leaders seek common solutions. However, danger lurks that Europe will fracture under pressure and fail to approach the situation with a united strategy.
To ensure its future, the EU should focus on three key priorities: economic competitiveness, energy transition, and defense.
These areas were recommended in a report by Mario Draghi, the former Italian prime minister. He emphasizes the need for negotiations with the US as a bloc, rather than acting in isolation. Being more integrated, Europe will be in a better position to safeguard its interests by being stronger and able to respond as one entity to external threats and challenges.
Russia-Ukraine war at the forefront
The future success of the EU and the transatlantic partnership depends on the conflict in Ukraine being resolved. Under President Biden, the United States has assisted in bringing Europe together in support of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. But an anticipated shift is hinted at by former President Trump’s campaign pledges to put an end to international warfare. General Keith Kellogg’s selection as special envoy suggests that the United States may press for a ceasefire, which might cut off assistance for Ukraine and placing more of the weight on Europe.
The EU’s conflicted position has been shown by recent events such as Italian Chancellor Meloni’s retreats of support for Ukraine and German Chancellor Scholz’s discussions with Putin. This is similar to the disputes over the Iraq War that occurred in 2003. Europe’s credibility and geopolitical importance will be jeopardized if it splits up once more. For Europe to effectively handle the Ukraine situation and preserve its good name globally unity is crucial, as former Prime Minister Draghi stressed.
What is the future of Europe’s unity?
Vital nations like Germany, France, and Italy are vital for the future of Europe’s unity and its relationship by the US. Germany’s involvement in EU affairs may be boosted if the government elected in February 2025 is more dedicated to EU integration. Germany may gain more clout if a new administration formed by Friedrich Merz and the Christian Democrats is backed by Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission.
The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Summit presented by President Macron in France may offer a chance to evaluate US policy toward Europe. Managing this complicated relationship might be made easier by Macron’s experience with Trump. Under Prime Minister Meloni, Italy’s G7 membership could contribute to the strengthening of European unity. Italy may offset Trump’s emphasis on bilateral ties and promote multilateral collaboration by collaborating with its G7 allies. Europe must manage its relations with the US while pursuing a greater union. Unity, vision, and a willingness to change with the times will be key to success.
