Bloomberg recognises the risks and opportunities that the upcoming 'blue wave' poses to Europe, and asks: What will the Democratic Party's foreign policy be? Will it be a return to traditional American alliances? Or will it embrace free trade and dismantle protectionism?
During his 2024 campaign, Donald Trump claimed he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours and may seek to renew that effort. But would this mean a more balanced approach to Ukraine or more concessions to Putin? Bloomberg comments, noting: "Right-wing parties in Europe, like France's National Rally and Germany's Alternative for Germany, are leading in the polls, with excessive loyalty to Trump, which may prove a disadvantage after the election results."
Today's Politico analysis focuses on "The 5 points Europe must watch", reminding us that "Europe risks bearing the brunt of Trump's disappointment". There is relief for Ukraine as most leading Democrats have consistently supported sending aid to Ukraine, as well as lifting sanctions and making business deals with Russia on Trump's behalf. However, there could be a prolonged energy shock unless Trump reaches a peace deal with Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz. The analysis also deems the resumption of military operations and an even greater increase in energy prices likely, estimating that 'the electoral damage has already been done'.
"Allies fear Trump will target NATO," Politico also warns, explaining that the US president could move thousands more troops out of Europe or reduce funding for the North Atlantic alliance, as the day after the midterm elections he will be constrained in Congress regarding domestic politics, but as commander of the US military, he may seek control over foreign affairs, where he has greater freedom to act.
Euronews also raises questions in Brussels, primarily whether a Democratic Congress will end the threat of tariffs against Europe. Probably not, because Trump's tariffs are no longer dependent on Congress, it notes.
The French newspaper Le Monde forecasts a siege of Congress by Donald Trump: "Even before the resounding victory of the Democrats, the president of the US had largely ignored the legislative power, warning that he would use the veto. But now Donald Trump will face his own decline as discussion about the future of the Republican Party intensifies," writes Piotr Smolar.
"The ghost of Trump's revenge haunts Meloni," titles an analysis in the Italian newspaper La Stampa, commenting among other things that for the country's Prime Minister, it is becoming even more urgent to accelerate the distancing from the tycoon Trump, which has already begun in recent months.
"Trump's defeat proved that democracy in the US was mechanically functional," comments an article from the British newspaper, Guardian, explaining: "A second Trump term should have been unthinkable, but instead, within four years, American voters returned the champion of a failed coup against the Constitution as commander of the armed forces. The moral collapse within the ruling party is significant for some voters because they see that Trump is a drag on Republicans because people feel disappointed with a president who cares more about building a ballroom in the White House than about the cost of everyday goods. Gradually, European democracies are adapting to a world in which they cannot take friendship with the US for granted. Their reliance on the US defense umbrella and advanced technology is now recognized as a strategic vulnerability that needs urgent addressing."
"European leaders wake up this morning to a deeply bruised Donald Trump and the prospect of a weaker White House, but this does not change any of the fundamental issues Europe must resolve," states an article from the Financial Times. The unpredictable stance of the US president toward NATO, his aggressive trade policy towards European allies, his warm stance towards Russian president Vladimir Putin and his 'America First' approach to American companies have driven a revision of European defense, security, trade, and industry policy with the aim of securing 'strategic autonomy' for the continent. A Democratic Congress could, in theory, influence some of Trump's policies affecting Europe. But few in Brussels expect a radical change in the White House's stance. It is more likely that the US will become embroiled in domestic political conflicts ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, leading the legislative process into deadlock, the publication notes among other things.
According to a Polling Europe survey, 58% of Europeans desired a Democratic victory in the American midterm elections, while 18% favoured the Republicans and 24% did not choose either party. Support for a Democratic victory was highest in Italy and Germany at 64% and 60% respectively, compared to 58% in France and Spain, and 43% in Poland. These findings raise a broader question: How much longer should Europeans look outside their own countries for decisions that shape their security and prosperity?" says a post from Polling Europe.
An article written by ERTNews, initially published on 4 November 2026, 09:45 (CET)