Europe watches for US policy shifts after midterms

European diplomats are watching for possible changes in US policy after Democratic victories in the midterm elections weakened President Donald Trump, but they said major shifts on Ukraine, tariffs, Iran, troops and digital rules are not guaranteed.

Several diplomats in Brussels told AFP there was relief that the results could restore some checks and balances in Washington. One senior EU diplomat said the United States could also turn further inward as the White House and Congress focus on domestic political fights.

On Ukraine, European officials hope a more pro-Kyiv Congress could pressure Trump to change course. But officials in Brussels said they are working to fill a 70-billion-euro financing gap for Kyiv next year and are not counting on the United States to return as a major financial backer.

Europe is also watching the Middle East after recent US strikes and the political situation in Israel. At NATO, allies are waiting for a Pentagon review of US forces in Europe expected in December, though diplomats said they did not expect the midterm result to determine its outcome.

Tariffs remain another concern. Democrats could seek to roll back some measures, but the article said some are likely to remain. On digital policy, an EU official told AFP that Brussels would not change enforcement of its rules but expected more scope to work with Congress on shared challenges including AI and cyber security.