Zero tariffs and increased pressure on Russia: Europeans’ hopes following Trump’s defeat

Brussels – In Brussels, there is a sense of hope and optimism regarding the new composition of the US institutions following yesterday’s mid-term elections on 3 November. The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, acknowledges that “US voters have clearly expressed their choice.” The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is confident that the election result will lead to a stance that is more favourable towards Ukraine. “I hope that the new Congress and the new Senate will continue to support Ukraine and exert greater pressure on Russia,” she said during a press conference presenting the progress report on EU enlargement. “You know, Europe and the United States are much stronger together; it is important to convey these messages clearly to Russia, while exerting this pressure to bring an end to this war. So let’s see what happens now,” she added. 

Kallas is the first EU leader to comment on the US election, while in the European Parliament, the PD’s head of delegation, Nicola Zingaretti, has branded the result as “more than just an electoral defeat.” According to Zingaretti, “the right has a plan to destroy the present – which people often dislike – but not to build a better future. Having given Trump a go, people have realised this; they have said ‘no’ and have chosen hope once again. Hatred, war, authoritarianism, and the law of the jungle only increase fears; they do not defeat them.” According to the Democratic Party’s delegation leader, “this is now the role for the left in the world: not to defend the present, but to build a new order centred on human dignity and the planet.”

The PD MEP Brando Benifei, Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the United States, emphasises that “the shift of the majority in Congress from the Republicans to the Democrats sends an unequivocal political signal: the American people want to turn the page on Donald Trump’s agenda.” According to the Democrat, “from the cost of living to the war in Iran, from repressive policies on civil rights and citizenship to ICE operations, there is a clear demand for a break with the past that the new Congress must translate into action.” It is now “essential that it resumes the full exercise of its constitutional powers, following years of constant encroachment by the executive, including in the field of international law.” Benifei extended his “best wishes for a successful term to the new members of the US Congress and Senate” and expressed the hope that “this new parliamentary term will mark a revival of dialogue and cooperation between our institutions” because “the transatlantic relationship remains essential for European security, the competitiveness of our economies and the well-being of our citizens and businesses.” Among the items on the agenda, Benifei believes there must be a “gradual return to zero-for-zero on tariffs,” “strengthened support for Ukraine against Russian aggression”, “a commitment to resolving the crisis in the Middle East,” and “strategic cooperation on critical minerals and semiconductors.” 

In a statement, the Five Star Movement in the European Parliament emphasises that “in the US mid-term elections, candidates who campaigned on a platform of peace, social justice, and the fight against the cost of living crisis and corruption have emerged victorious.” Therefore, “this is the message coming from the United States, and one that we in Europe must be able to heed,” the statement reads. “A new era can also take hold on our continent and in our country, where important national elections will be held in 2027, set to have a profound impact on the political and institutional balance,” it continues. “We will ride this new wave with courage and ambition and oust the Meloni government, which over the past four years has been a pale imitation of the Trump administration,” add the Five Star Movement MEPs. In particular, MEP Pasquale Tridico (M5S) addresses the European Commission led by President Ursula von der Leyen: “The time has come to capitalise on this widespread discontent to force the Trump administration to renegotiate the nefarious tariff agreement signed in Scotland.” 

Carlo Fidanza, head of the Fratelli d’Italia delegation to the European Parliament, disagrees. “Yesterday, the American people delivered an unequivocal verdict, which we acknowledge, as always, with respect. The left, on the other hand, having so far failed to win a single noteworthy election in Italy, is rushing to claim credit for the result in an attempt to draw non-existent parallels between the US mid-term elections and the forthcoming Italian election campaign,” he comments. “Meanwhile, Giorgia Meloni, buoyed by a level of support that, after four years in government, is unrivalled amongst Western leaders, will continue to work to strengthen the transatlantic bond. Unlike the left, for us this bond is independent of the political leanings of the administration in office and the majorities in Congress. And this will continue to be the case even after yesterday’s vote,” concludes Fidanza.