‘Don’t want my children to depend on’ US vote: European Council chief on Harris-Trump battle

European Council President Charles Michel has said that the EU’s future shouldn’t hinge on the outcome of the US election as he suggested both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris would stick to protectionist policies.

The outgoing European Council president Michel  in an interview Thursday said “There are some differences between Harris and Trump for sure. In the short term, it will be different. But in the mid term, in the long term, are we certain that it will be fundamentally different?”

“In terms of economic partnerships, do you think that with or without Harris, or with or without Trump, the United States will not be any more a protectionist country?” Michel said.

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“They are a protectionist country, I regret this situation.”

Michel’s concerns stem from the potential impact of US protectionist policies on the EU. With the US election looming, European countries are anxiously watching the developments, particularly given the possibility of Trump’s return to power. This comes at a critical time for the EU, as Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year.

Trump’s previous threats to dismantle NATO, make a hasty deal with Moscow, and impose trade tariffs have already unsettled Washington’s European allies. The EU is now bracing itself for potential changes in US policy that could affect its interests. By emphasizing the need for EU independence, Michel is urging European leaders to take control of their destiny, regardless of the US election outcome.

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Michel said the 27-nation bloc should “not reflect in terms of we are afraid because we don’t know who will be the next president of the United States.”

“I don’t want that my children will depend on who will be the next president of the United States, who will be the president of China, of Russia,” he said.

“I want my children, my grandchildren to be in control of their destiny, because it is in Europe that we decide what is our future and what is our destiny.”

The United States and EU nations have given the bulk of support for Kyiv in a fight many in Europe see as an existential struggle for the continent’s security.

But Trump has cast doubt on continuing US help to Ukraine.

Michel said the EU should ramp up its “military support, financial support” to Kyiv after Western powers said North Korea had sent troops to Russia.

“This again is an escalation by Russia,” he said.

‘Be more ambitious’ 

Looking back on his five years helming summits of EU leaders, Michel said he regretted the bloc could not played a greater role in another global hotspot, the Middle East.

Michel is coming to the end of his term at the head of the EU’s Council, which represents the bloc’s member states, and will be replaced by Portugal’s Antonio Costa December 1.

EU countries have struggled for a unified voice over the war in Gaza after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas a year ago.

The bloc has also failed to exert influence to prevent the conflict growing as fighting has now spread to Lebanon.

“We are the first economic partner of Israel, on the one hand, and we are the first partner in terms of development for the Palestinian people on the other hand,” Michel said.

“We should be more ambitious in using the tools we have on both sides to bring more stability.”

With inputs from agencies.