US midterms: Renew Europe welcomes a clear democratic choice
Renew Europe congratulates the Democrats on their victory in both the Senate and the House of Representatives in yesterday's US midterm elections. This change of majority in Congress should open a new chapter in relations between the European Union and the United States. Renew Europe calls for stronger transatlantic ties, built on dialogue and mutual respect. Midterm elections have given Congress the ability to act as a necessary and useful counterweight to the White House. Renew Europe encourages it to do so.
Valérie Hayer (Renaissance, France), President of the Renew Europe Group stated :
“American voters have shown that democracy can overcome scaremongering, division and intimidation. The balance of power is back. People have the power to stop authoritarian overreach and reject leaders who act as if power belongs to them alone. This is a strong message of democratic hope: voters can set limits on power and change the course of their country. Beyond a strong partnership with the US, Europe must continue to build its own independence and strategic autonomy, with the power to act and defend its interests.”
Valérie HayerRenew Europe MEP, France, Renaissance
Renew MEP Sophie Wilmès (MR, Belgium), vice-president the European Parliament and of the Delegation for relations with the United States, said:
“Americans have spoken. This is a radical change in the US Congress and, I hope, it will pave the way for a calmer and more constructive relationship with Europe. They have the levers to do so, even if President Trump keeps his powers and there is room for doubt about his ability to engage in a positive dynamic. Once again, the future of Europeans is decided in Europe. We must continue to strengthen our strategic autonomy, as we are doing, so that we remain in control of our own choices, whatever direction Washington takes.”
Sophie WilmèsRenew Europe MEP, Belgium, Mouvement Réformateur
MEP Hilde Vautmans (Anders, Belgium), Renew Europe coordinator in the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), emphasised:
“American voters have sent Trump a clear message: enough is enough. His trade wars, attacks on longstanding allies and reckless foreign policy have come at a cost. I hope this result will pave the way for a more constructive transatlantic relationship, with Congress acting as a counterweight to the White House. But Europe cannot afford to depend on political shifts in Washington. We must build a stronger European defence and economy, capable of standing on our own feet, regardless of who holds power in the United States.”
Hilde VautmansRenew Europe MEP, Belgium, Anders
Europe and the United States face major challenges that call for stability and predictability: setting rules for artificial intelligence, giving Ukraine firm and lasting support against Russian aggression, and keeping transatlantic trade fair and open. This vote also sends a clear message: the tariffs imposed by the White House help neither American consumers and businesses, nor Europeans.
MEP Karin Karlsbro (Liberalerna, Suède), Renew Europe coordinator in the Committee on International Trade (INTA), added :
“The American people have spoken, and Donald Trump has been dealt a crushing blow. His reckless tariffs, threats against Greenland and cosy relationship with Putin have failed to impress American voters. Trump remains in the White House, but his room for manoeuvre has shrunk dramatically. This is good news for the world, important for Europe and a much-needed sign of hope for Ukraine.”
Karin KarlsbroRenew Europe MEP, Sweden, Liberalerna
At the same time, Europe must not rely on American political developments to safeguard its own interests. We must remain vigilant and keep up our efforts to build Europe's strategic autonomy and independence. The new Congress was elected to defend the interests of American citizens, which have been harmed by Donald Trump's policies. Europe must follow the same agenda: defending the interests of European citizens.
Renew Europe MEPs look forward to working with the new Congress and to meeting the leaders of the new majority at the earliest opportunity.
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