Brussels, November 6, 2024 

Donald Trump's clear victory in the United States of America is a tsunami for the European Union that the governments of the 27 Member States would do well to take note of as soon as possible.  

Beyond the weakening of democracy in America and worldwide that this election may bring, Europeans should quickly recognize the significance of the aggressive and irresponsible nationalism of the incoming President. They must prepare for the reality that Trump will likely seek to weaken, divide, and manipulate them. 

It is time for our 27 national governments to realize that maintaining a fictitious sovereignty is futile. This approach keeps them powerless, unable to ensure their own security, and condemns them to industrial and economic decline. Will they recognize that, as during the COVID era, the situation is critical and that a shake-up is essential to protect one another, collectively, as a community of destiny? Or will each country attempt to save itself alone? Will they continue finding excuses to resist the greater political integration that is clearly needed in this context and well explained in the Draghi and Niinistö reports of the European Commission? This Union cannot withstand global competition or protect itself effectively. Standing still now is equivalent to paralysis and condemning itself to an inevitable agony, one that will be swifter—and no less painful—with Trump. 

A strong signal must now come from the EU states. It is clear that the EU needs autonomy in defense and security; however, this is not a swift process. It can only be credible and successfully initiated if national governments clearly demonstrate their determination to strengthen their unity and work cohesively to build a shared future. In this regard, much could be achieved quickly if political will is engaged. For instance, the European Commission has the authority to address the anticipated trade war on tariffs. However, it lacks the authority to complete the Single Capital Market needed to channel private savings into essential European investments, and it cannot initiate a European public investment plan through debt issuance. These actions are urgent, as the EU can no longer delay launching a project to support technological innovation and industrial development, especially in defense. Therefore, it is crucial to complete monetary union with essential tools, authorize EU fiscal autonomy, and establish majority voting in foreign policy. This can and must be accomplished now.  

‘There will be time to analyse the causes of Trump's return to the US presidency, but what is clear is that Europe needs to wake up,’ said Domenec Ruiz Devesa, president of the UEF ‘There is no alternative for Europeans to become a federal union and thus to put in place a European defence’. 

As Draghi himself warns, governments that understand this must take the lead and act. They must take the first steps to give Europe the credibility it needs to oppose Trump's desire for dominance and to stop Putin's hegemonic ambitions. It is essential to think about a real and decisive common response to protect Ukraine, the EU's eastern countries, and all European citizens. If they can grasp the mortal danger they face, perhaps Europeans will finally find the strength to build a shared sovereignty, to become a united state community. This is a call to action for the governments of the larger states: France, Germany, Poland, Spain and Italy must find the political will to lead the process.