What future for Europe-US relations after the US presidential election?

Photo by Adrees Latif  

Dr. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer gave an interview to the EU-related news website Toute l’Europe, on the future of the transatlantic relations in the wake of the U.S. elections. She discussed Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump’s approach to Europe and potential changes in U.S policy.  Though using very different rhetoric, she anticipated that both presidential candidates would continue to ask more contributions from their European partners in defense and security. However, she also noticed that U.S. decision makers  are still largely reluctant to see Europe developing its own ‘autonomous’ defense structures, which they  see as potentially  duplicating NATO. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer sees the future of transatlantic relations as a constellation of “special relationships” between Washington and key European allies, UK, Germany and France. The multiplication of bilateral relationships with Washington will continue to impact Europe’s unity and efficiency.