With Donald Trump now officially elected to serve a second term as the 47th President of the United States, European and world leaders and prominent figures in Belgium have offered their congratulations both in speeches and online.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was among the first to extend her "warm congratulations" to the incoming president before the final results were even in. "I look forward to working with President Trump again to advance a strong transatlantic agenda," she said.
She emphasised that the EU and the US are "more than just allies" and are bound by "a true partnership between our people," uniting 800 million citizens. "This bond runs deep, rooted in our shared history, commitment to freedom and democracy, and common goals of security and opportunity for all."
A transatlantic partnership should continue to deliver for EU and US citizens, said von der Leyen. "Millions of jobs and billions in trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic depend on the dynamism and stability of our economic relationship."
Checks and balances
European Council President Charles Michel also pointed to the "enduring alliance" and "historic bond" between the US and the EU. "As allies and friends, the EU looks forward to the continuation of our constructive cooperation."
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also congratulated Trump. "Europe is ready. To cooperate as we address unprecedented geopolitical challenges. To keep the transatlantic bond strong, rooted in our shared values of freedom, human rights, democracy and open markets."
Meanwhile, Belgium's outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) said he "looks forward to further strengthening the transatlantic bond." He added that "strong alliances will be needed to address current global challenges and ensure our prosperity."
Congratulations to President-elect @realDonaldTrump
Belgium looks forward to further strengthening the transatlantic bond. Strong alliances will be needed to address current global challenges and ensure our prosperity. — Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) November 6, 2024
The US ambassador to Belgium, Michael M. Adler, said the bond between the two countries is "enduring" on Wednesday morning in a speech to Americans living in Belgium and staff at the US embassy in Brussels. Adler acknowledged that democracy was going through difficult times in his country, but that he remains convinced of the strength of American democracy. "The system has strong checks and balances. Our citizens believe in democracy."
Also in Belgium, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte congratulated Trump ahead of his official victory, and hoped "to advance peace through strength through NATO." Rutte, reputed for knowing how to work with Trump, also praised the US President-elect while seeking to convince him of the value of the alliance – which Trump threatened to leave on several occasions during his first presidency.
French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Trump and said he was ready to work "as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity."
In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz also congratulated Trump on his election as US President. "For a long time, Germany and the US have been working together successfully promoting prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the well-being of our citizens."
'The closest of allies'
The far-right Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, was quick to offer Trump her "sincere congratulations". According to her, Italy and the US share an "unshakable alliance", and she is "sure that their strategic bond will strengthen even further."
Far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also praised Trump on his "enormous win," adding that it was a "much needed victory for the world."
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump's election victory "historic" and said he looks forward to working with him in the years ahead.
"As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise," he said in a statement on social media. "From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Trump's election victory "impressive" and said he is looking forward to "an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump's decisive leadership." He stressed that Ukraine relies on the US' "continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Credit: Belga / Philip Reynaers
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke highly of "his friend Donald Trump" and hopes that relations between Turkey and the US will strenghten. He added that he also hoped that "regional and global crises and wars – especially the Palestinian issue and the war between Russia and Ukraine – will come to an end."
The Prime Minister of India Nanendra Modi also offered his "heartiest congratulations" to "[his] friend's historic election victory." He signalled that he looks forward to "renewed cooperation between his country and the United States."
