Mandl on the EU-US partnership: How can it continue?

The decision rested solely with the US people and must be respected. But the election affects us in Europe. The question is not whether we maintain our partnership with the US. This partnership is vital. The question is 'how'! Trump's election initially leads to unpredictability. This means we must try our best and be prepared for negative scenarios. Three points are paramount for us in Europe: economy, security, and democracy:

First, if the Trump administration attempts economic protectionism, we will know how to defend ourselves. New trade restrictions would harm both sides.

Second, if the Trump administration attempts to weaken the cohesion in the defense of the civilization of the free world on European soil, we must do everything we can to build mutual trust. We in the free world must be able to rely on one another. This means underpinning our own reliability while simultaneously building closer partnerships for Europe around the world.

Third, parliamentary diplomacy is especially important now. Cooperation with colleagues in the U.S. Congress and Senate is more important than ever, both for the transatlantic partnership and for strengthening democracy.