America elects Congress today/ What does a Republican victory mean for Europe?

America chooses today who will lead Congress. And in Europe, there are concerns that a strong showing by the right-wing Republican party and in particular some of the more extreme candidates backed by former President Donald Trump could send some unwanted shock waves across the Atlantic.

If Republicans gain control of Congress, Joe Biden's presidency will be 'toppled'. Serious questions are being asked about the impact on US support for Ukraine against Russia's war, European security and transatlantic trade ties.

US midterm elections traditionally give sitting presidents and congressional majorities a shot. Despite some notable legislative accomplishments, Biden's approval ratings are particularly low.

In danger the US aid to Ukraine?

To date, most of the Western allies' financial support for Ukraine since Russia launched its war in February has been shouldered by Washington. The value of total US commitments amounts to 52 billion euros, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

But there are fears that support could wane — not just for Ukraine, but for broader European security — especially if Republicans take control of Congress.

"I think people are going to be in a recession and they're not going to write a blank check to Ukraine," said US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy - a strong supporter of Ukraine.

In May, 57 House Republicans and 11 Republican Senators voted against a massive $40 billion aid package for Ukraine.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll in October said nearly three-quarters of Americans thought the United States should continue to support Ukraine. A Chicago Council Poll in August said 58% of Americans were willing to continue supporting the country "as long as it takes."

Trade and Competition: More 'America First'?

Marrëdhëniet midis Uashingtonit dhe Brukselit sigurisht që janë shkrirë gjatë kohës së Joe Biden në detyrë në krahasim me atë të paraardhësit të tij.

Ka zhgënjim në qarqet e BE-së që presidenti nuk ka lëvizur më tej nga Donald Trump për tregtinë dhe konkurrencën, dhe se në disa aspekte SHBA-ja ka vazhduar të ndjekë axhendën "America First".

Legjislacioni për të frenuar inflacionin dhe për të promovuar energjinë e pastër përfshin stimuj për automjetet elektrike të prodhuara në SHBA që nuk janë shtrirë tek prodhuesit evropianë, duke shkaktuar zemërim në Evropë.

Franca në veçanti është ankuar për konkurrencë të pandershme dhe tensionet transatlantike janë rritur më tej nga udhëtimi i kancelarit gjerman Olaf Scholz në Kinë javën e kaluar.

Drita jeshile për të djathtën ekstreme të Evropës?

Beyond the Republican midterm performance, many will look to Donald Trump's confirmation for another presidential bid — and a renewed populist effort to inspire his admirers around the world.

Trump and his allies have continued to reach out to authoritarian leaders and sympathizers abroad in an effort to boost his brand.

Source: Euronews