The European Commission has assembled a specialized team to prepare for the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House. This initiative is part of the EU’s efforts to strategize for potential changes in Washington, particularly regarding free trade and support for Ukraine.
This was confidentially reported to The Financial Times by people familiar with the matter.
The panel is also assessing the impact of a possible Kamala Harris presidency on the EU and how Brussels should be prepared to withstand and respond to policy changes after the US election in November.
Brussels is highly concerned that a potential second term for Trump could lead to the imposition of severe tariffs on EU exports, a cessation of US military and financial aid to Ukraine, and pressure on Kyiv to accept Moscow's conditions to end the war.
“It’s a discreet discussion forum to think about how best to prepare for Trump,” said a second person briefed on the discussions. “It’s just plain smart to do so.”
The 2024 United States presidential election is set to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Former President Donald Trump is the Republican presidential nominee, while Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be the Democratic nominee.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
