The fifth summit of the European Political Community and the clear victory of Trump

The leaders of the EU and heads of state from over 40 European countries gathered in Budapest for the fifth European Political Community meeting, hosted by the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Key topics included the ongoing war in Ukraine, economic security, and defense, all discussed in light of the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, upon her arrival at Budapest’s Puskas Arena, congratulated Trump on his “clear victory” in the U.S. elections. She said she is “ready” to work with him again to reinforce the transatlantic relationship. Von der Leyen downplayed concerns about Trump’s isolationist stance, emphasizing the need for shared analysis of mutual interests, especially in resisting intimidation from autocratic regimes.

European leaders are striving to maintain U.S. support for Ukraine as concerns arise over potential shifts in policy following Trump’s recent election. Charles Michel, the outgoing President of the European Council, extended a symbolic hand, urging Trump not to turn away from Ukraine and to continue advocating for “the integrity and sovereignty of states”. The newly appointed NATO Secretary General, congratulated Trump in Budapest, acknowledging his electoral victory and calling for collaboration against threats from North Korea, China, and Russia. Rutte noted that North Korea’s assistance to Russia “is not only a threat to the European part of NATO, but also to the United States.” This statement recalls Trump’s past diplomatic efforts, including his historic 2019 visit to North Korea, but now warns of the new geopolitical alignment against Ukraine.

Once autonomous European Union with continued financial and military support for Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán diverged by promoting his own peace initiative, backed by Turkey’s President Erdogan. Orbán criticized the EU’s prevailing “pro-war majority,” arguing instead for a shift from a military strategy to one focused on peace negotiations, a stance he shared at the European Political Community meeting.

An important bilateral for the geo-political situation in the eastern Mediterranean took place at the margin of the European Political Community summit: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. Turkey and Cyprus have had stormy relations for decades, since the Turkish invasion of the northern part of the Mediterranean island in 1974. The meeting was also attended by Albanian leader Edi Rama.