As Trump prepares to take office, European leaders highlighted the importance of strong ties with Washington and the need to adapt to potential shifts in international policies and agreements.
Ahead of the 47th US president’s inauguration on Monday, European leaders have said their focus remains on keeping strong ties with Washington despite possible concerns about Donald Trump’s policies and leadership.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the UK is committed to its “special relationship” with the US. “We look forward to working with Donald Trump over the next four years,” Lammy added.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said US-Latvia relations have been strong in the past, regardless of unease over future challenges, including defence spending, climate policies, and keeping European countries united.
“We will have a rather uncertain and turbulent year,” he said. Rinkēvičs added that Europe needs to adapt to Trump’s unpredictable leadership, especially if the US pulls out of international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasised the need for Europe to establish clear boundaries in its relationship with the United States, a sign France could be keen on setting red lines.
Barrot called for protecting the “integrity of the European public debate” and safeguarding European sovereignty against external influences, including those from US-based social media platforms.
Barrot’s comments come amid growing concerns over South African billionaire Elon Musk’s political interventions via his social media platform X.
Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD party and continued criticism of the UK Labour government of PM Keir Starmer have amplified fears of foreign interference in European politics in recent times.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen warned of a possible foreign policy crisis if Trump continues with controversial ideas, including those about Greenland’s strategic role.
Earlier this month, Trump claimed Denmark should hand over its territory to the US to “protect the free world,” whilst not excluding the possibility of using military force to seize control of Greenland.
In response, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B Egede said Greenland wants to assert its independence, saying, “We are Greenlandic. We don’t want to be American or Danish.”
Following the inauguration, Trump is expected to move quickly, signing executive orders to accelerate deportations, expand fossil fuel production and weaken civil service protections for government employees.
He has promised that his presidency will usher in “a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity, and pride.”
