In the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory, European leaders have gathered in Budapest, issuing a call for greater self-reliance, Al Jazeera reports.
The summit of the European Political Community, established following the start of Ukraine war in 2022 and attennded by over 40 leaders, served as a platform to address the anxieties and uncertainties surrounding Trump’s return to power.
Trump’s past skepticism towards the transatlantic alliance, his calls for increased European defense spending, and his potential shift in support for Ukraine have triggered concerns across the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron, addressing the gathering, described Trump’s victory as a “historic” and “decisive moment indeed” for Europe. He urged European leaders to “not delegate forever our security to America,” advocating for greater European autonomy in matters of defense and security.
EU Council President Charles Michel echoed Macron’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for Europe to become less reliant on the US.
“We have to be more masters of our destiny,” he said, adding that this move was not solely driven by concerns about Trump but for the future of Europe’s children.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the need for Europe to “wake up from our geopolitical naivety” and invest more resources to address global challenges.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, reflecting on his experience as the Dutch prime minister during Trump’s first term, described the president-elect as “extremely clear about what he wants” and capable of working collaboratively.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his appreciation for Trump while simultaneously raising concerns about the incoming president’s promise to end the war with Russia “within hours.”
