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Brussels has worried that Donald Trump, returned to power, will use his second term to impose painful tariffs on EU exports and end US military and financial support for Ukraine.
EU officials are assessing the potential impact on the bloc's trade and defense policies if the former president returns to the White House.
Brussels has worried that Donald Trump, returned to power, will use his second term to impose painful tariffs on EU exports and end US military and financial support for Ukraine.
The European Commission has created a team of officials dedicated to preparing for Donald Trump's possible return to the White House, as the EU strategizes to deal with a potentially dramatic shift in Washington on issues such as trade. free and support for Ukraine.
The tight-knit group is also determining what impact Kamala Harris' coming to the presidency could have on the EU and how Brussels should prepare to cope with and respond to policy changes after the US election in November.
"The U.S. election isn't over, so it's about finding the fallout, whatever it is. Top officials are [discussing] where we should focus more," said one of the people, all of whom declined to be identified. were identified due to the confidential nature of the talks.
The team was formed from the office of Ilze Juhansone, the commission's secretary-general, and includes a very small number of officials, representing the commission's relevant directorates dealing with issues such as trade, competition and foreign affairs.
Brussels is deeply concerned about Trump's use of a second term in office to impose painful tariffs on EU exports, end US military and financial support for Ukraine and pro-Kiev strong enough to agree to Moscow's terms to end the war.
European allies are also concerned that Trump could follow through on previous threats to withdraw the US from NATO or significantly undermine the mutual defense clause for countries he believes do not spend enough on defense.
The committee plans to step up work in September and increase its contact with EU governments to share knowledge and ideas on assessing the EU's potential weaknesses and how to mitigate negative decisions.
There is also a focus on developing communication plans in the event of a major shift in US policy towards Europe, such as the need for EU taxpayers to potentially contribute more to the defense of Ukraine.
The commission said it was preparing for the US election and that all possible outcomes are being considered, adding that it is committed to maintaining a close partnership with the US.
A similar group of officials preparing for a possible second Trump presidency has been created at the German foreign ministry, officials told the Financial Times.
The discussions come as senior EU officials seek to engage with figures close to Trump and Harris, including the vice president's former economic adviser Mike Pyle and her national security adviser Phil Gordon.
From Brussels' perspective, a Harris presidency may not represent full continuity with Biden, especially when it comes to aid to Ukraine. Trump's campaign promises to end the war could influence US public opinion on the conflict even if he loses the election.
But the wider issue for the committee is what Trump's return could mean for the EU economy.
"It's a measured discussion forum to think about how best to prepare for Trump," said a second person briefed on the discussions .
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