Kamala Harris: A New Hope for Europe in the 2024 US Election?
As the 2024 US Presidential election heats up, a renewed sense of optimism is emerging in Europe with Kamala Harris emerging as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. While President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the race, European officials are expressing a preference for a Harris presidency, seeing her as a more predictable and reliable partner than her potential Republican opponent, Donald Trump. The EU is particularly wary of a Trump victory, fearing a return to his “America First” policies that could lead to increased trade tensions, reduced financial support for Ukraine, and potentially even tariffs on European goods.
Key Takeaways:
- EU officials are cautiously optimistic about Kamala Harris’ chances of winning the 2024 US election. They see her as a more reliable and predictable partner than Donald Trump.
- Trump’s potential return to the White House is viewed with concern by the EU. They are anticipating a return to his "America First" policies, which could lead to increased trade tensions, reduced support for Ukraine, and potentially tariffs on European goods.
- European leaders are prioritizing “prosperity and competitiveness” and are actively seeking ways to strengthen the European Union’s position in the global economy.
Harris: A Change in Direction from Trump’s Policies
The EU experienced a period of strained relations with the US during Trump’s presidency. The two sides clashed on issues ranging from trade to defense and technology. This led to a significant decrease in transatlantic ties and a sense of unease within the EU.
The arrival of Biden in the White House was met with relief and optimism in Brussels. Biden’s policies and style were viewed as more aligned with the EU’s priorities, such as tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, addressing climate change, and supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia.
However, with Trump poised to return to the race, the EU is once again bracing for the possibility of a more confrontational approach to international relations.
A Pragmatic Approach to the US Election
While the EU acknowledges the potential challenges of a Trump presidency, they are also preparing for a potential Harris victory. They recognize the need to build relationships with both candidates and maintain dialogue with both sides.
Radosław Sikorski, Poland’s foreign affairs minister, has even advised the European Commission to keep up dialogue with both sides, emphasizing the importance of not discriminating between candidates.
Harris’ Election Could Signal a Shift in US-EU Dynamics
Harris’ potential presidency could mark a turning point in US-EU relations, offering a greater sense of stability and predictability. Her victory would likely signal a return to a more collaborative approach to international affairs, prioritizing cooperation on shared international challenges like climate change and global security.
However, even with Harris as president, the EU is unlikely to completely abandon its efforts to strengthen its own economic position. The EU is committed to enhancing its competitiveness and reducing its dependence on external actors.
Concerns Remain Despite Harris’ Potential Victory
Despite the optimism surrounding a Harris victory, there are still lingering concerns within the EU:
- Harris’ experience in foreign policy and her capacity to navigate international relations remain to be seen.
- The domestic political climate in the US remains highly polarized, which could potentially hinder Harris’ ability to build strong alliances.
- While Harris is seen as a more reliable partner than Trump, she is not immune to domestic political pressures, which could potentially impact her foreign policy approach.
Ultimately, the EU is prepared for both scenarios. They recognize the need to maintain strong relationships with the US regardless of the outcome of the election. However, they remain cautiously optimistic about a Harris victory, seeing it as a potential opportunity to reinvigorate transatlantic relations and promote a more collaborative approach to global challenges.
The 2024 US election has significant implications for the EU, with the outcome shaping the future of transatlantic relations. While the EU is navigating the uncertainties of the upcoming election, they remain committed to maintaining a strong and cooperative partnership with the US, regardless of who resides in the Oval Office.
