The European Commission has set up a special team of officials to prepare for a possible return of Donald Trump to the White House, as the EU develops strategies to cope with potentially dramatic changes in Washington on issues such as free trade and support for Ukraine, the Financial Times reports, UNN writes.
Details
The tightly managed group is also reportedly determining what impact a Kamala Harris presidency could have on the EU, and how Brussels should be prepared to withstand and respond to policy changes after the US election in November, according to three people briefed on its tasks.
"The [U.S.] election is far from over, so it's about figuring out what the implications are either way," said one person. "Key officials [are] discussing what we need to focus on most.
The team, as indicated, was formed by the office of Ilse Johansson, Secretary General of the European Commission, and includes a very small number of officials representing the relevant European Commission directorates dealing with issues such as trade, competition and foreign affairs.
"Brussels is deeply concerned that Trump will use his second term in office to impose painful tariffs on EU exports, end US military and financial support for Ukraine, and put strong pressure on Kyiv to accept Moscow's terms to end the war," the newspaper writes.
European allies are also said to be concerned that Trump is following through on previous threats to withdraw the United States from NATO or to significantly undermine mutual defense provisions for countries he believes are not spending enough on defense.
"The committee plans to intensify its work in September and expand its contacts with EU governments to share views and ideas on assessing the EU's potential vulnerability and ways to mitigate negative decisions," the publication notes.
It is also reported that "particular attention is being paid to developing communication plans in the event of a significant change in US policy toward Europe, such as the need for EU taxpayers to potentially contribute more to Ukraine's defense.
The European Commission said it is "preparing for the US elections" and that "all possible options are being considered," adding that it is "committed to maintaining a close partnership with the United States.
A similar group of officials preparing for a potential second Trump presidency has been set up at the German Foreign Ministry, officials told the Financial Times.
The discussions reportedly come as EU officials seek to engage with figures close to both Trump and Harris, including former Vice Presidential economic adviser Mike Pyle and her national security adviser Phil Gordon.
An FT analysis this week found that Harris and Trump are neck-and-neck after Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race last month and endorsed his vice president to lead the Democratic ticket. Since then, Harris has raised a record amount of funding and quickly caught up to Trump in the polls.
"From Brussels' point of view, a Harris presidency may not mean complete continuity from Biden, especially when it comes to helping Ukraine. Trump's promises during the election campaign to immediately end the war could affect US public opinion on the conflict, even if he loses the election," the newspaper notes.
But the committee's most far-reaching question is reportedly what Trump's return could mean for the EU economy.
"It's a modest forum for discussion to think about how best to prepare for Trump," said a second person briefed on the discussions. - "It's just the smart thing to do.
FT: EU prepares options for cooperation with the US in case of Trump's victory29.07.24, 16:45