Democrats' Midterm Win Offers Europe Limited Relief

Democrats won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the November 3 midterms, a result welcomed by European leaders as relief from the hostile Trump administration, though analysts say it will not fundamentally change transatlantic relations. The Republican administration's tariffs, threats over Greenland, and doubts about US security commitments have strained ties with the EU. While some leaders like Spain's Pedro Sanchez called the result a rejection of Trump's policies, experts note President Trump's skepticism toward the EU, tariffs, and NATO will persist, though Congress may limit his unilateral actions. A Democratic Congress is expected to be firmer on Russia and potentially offer more support for Ukraine, though material aid increases are doubtful due to military shortages from the Iran war. Structurally, US attention is shifting toward Asia and China, meaning the transatlantic relationship will not return to its former prominence regardless of political control.