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The European Commission has established a dedicated team to prepare for potential shifts in US policies under either a Trump or Harris presidency. The European Union’s concerns include Trump’s potential tariffs and withdrawal from Nato, as well as uncertainties about policy continuity under Harris read more
 "Not just Donald Trump, EU worried about Kamala Harris' policy changes too")
Kamala Harris is the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party for the 2024 US Presidential election. Reuters
The European Commission has reportedly set up a dedicated team of officials to prepare for the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
However, ever since President Joe Biden gave up his re-election bid, it is not just the Republican candidate that concerns EU. Now, the bloc is also worried about, and preparing for, the impact a Kamala Harris presidency could have.
“The [US] election is far from over, so it’s about working out what the implications could be, either way,” Financial Times quoted one of the people briefed on the tasks of the team as saying.
Three people aware of the functions of the team told the publication that the group is devising strategies to deal with possibly dramatic shifts in the US’ policy on issues such as free trade and support for Ukraine
Kamala Harris and the policy continuity doubts
The impact of a Kamala Harris presidency is being closely analysed.
From Brussels’ perspective, a Harris presidency may not represent complete continuity with Biden’s policies, particularly concerning aid to Ukraine.
Trump’s pledges on the campaign trail to immediately end the war could influence US public opinion on the conflict even if he loses the election.
Concerns regarding Trump
The team was formed by the office of Ilze Juhansone, secretary-general of the commission, and includes a very small number of officials representing the commission’s relevant directorates that address issues such as trade, competition, and foreign affairs.
Brussels is concerned about Trump imposing painful tariffs on EU exports, ending US military and financial support to Ukraine, and strong-arming Kyiv to agree to Moscow’s terms to end the war.
European allies are also worried about Trump making good on previous threats to pull the US out of Nato or significantly undermine the mutual defence clause for countries that he believes do not spend enough on defence.
What the committee plans to do
The committee plans to step up its work in September and increase its outreach to EU governments to share insights and ideas on assessing the EU’s potential vulnerabilities and how to mitigate negative decisions. There is also a focus on developing communication plans in the event of a big shift in US policy towards Europe, such as the need for EU taxpayers to potentially contribute more to Ukraine’s defense.
The commission said it was “preparing for the US elections” and that “all possible outcomes are considered,” adding that it was “committed to maintaining a close partnership with the US.”
The discussions come as senior EU officials seek to engage with figures close to both Trump and Harris, including the vice-president’s former economic adviser Mike Pyle and her national security adviser Phil Gordon.
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English (US) ·