Many representatives of the political establishment in Europe are convinced that his victory could act as a catalyst for strategic growth and autonomy for the EU.
According to Politico, European diplomats believe that Trump's unpredictability might push the EU towards unification, which seems almost impossible given the current disagreements.
"Trump's return would be a beneficial shock that could propel the EU forward, much like the [coronavirus] pandemic or the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine," one diplomat noted.
In his view, a new term for Trump could serve as a unique challenge for Europe, allowing the bloc to strengthen its defense, unite allies, and reduce dependency on the US in critical sectors, including technology and military infrastructure.
At the same time, the EU recognizes the potential threats associated with Trump's possible return, including the risk of his "hardline" approach to defense spending allocation. In particular, the Trump administration may demand a significant increase in defense funding from European partners. This could be a challenging yet necessary task for consolidating resources and creating an autonomous defense system for the EU.
Trump's statements regarding Ukraine and the prospects of a "peace agreement" with Russia, which he promises to achieve, also divide opinions among European officials. On one hand, this could expedite the end of the war; however, it would also increase pressure on European countries regarding financial expenditures and the distribution of responsibilities.
Source: politico.