Europe sees Trump weakened but doubts policy shifts

Europeans welcomed the Republican defeat in the US midterm elections as a weakening of President Donald Trump, but they doubt it will change key US policies. The results sparked relief among diplomats in Brussels, who see it as the beginning of the end of the Trump era. Expectations are mixed: some hope Democratic victories will restore checks and balances, while others predict the US will turn further inward amid domestic political fights. Trump retains executive powers and could become more aggressive internationally, particularly on issues like Ukraine, where Europe wants a shift but doesn't expect renewed US financial backing. Europe is also watching for changes on Iran, NATO troop levels, tariffs, and digital regulation. While Democrats may push back on some Trump policies, Europeans remain focused on taking more responsibility for their own security and filling a 70-billion-euro gap in Ukraine's finances.