The meeting of the European Political Community, which comprises almost 50 nations, including Ukraine but excluding Belarus and Russia, takes place a day after Germany's ruling coalition crumbled and as France faces political uncertainty following snap elections this year.
Before departing for the Hungarian capital, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters that Trump’s election victory has “very serious consequences for European policy, particularly in the realm of security.” At the same time, he confirmed Poland's commitment to fortifying transatlantic ties.
Tusk has previously called Trump “a demanding partner” who often introduces “unpredictability in politics.”
Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the U.S. from NATO, complaining that some European members have failed to meet defense expenditure guidelines.
He has also said on many occasions that he will seek an end to the Russia-Ukraine war as soon as possible, triggering concerns that he will try to pressure Kyiv into ceding territory.
Meanwhile, shortly before his victory in the U.S. presidential election on Tuesday, Trump warned that the 27-nation EU will have to "pay a big price" for not buying enough American exports.
Trump’s win has been met with congratulations from European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, but they were also quick to stress the challenges posed by the Republican’s "America First" protectionist trade policy and isolationist rhetoric.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined in the congratulations but added: "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."
The host of the European Political Community summit, Hungarian right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, hailed Trump’s election win, saying: “I see a brilliant victory, perhaps the biggest comeback and giant struggle in Western political history.”
“For the world, it means the hope for peace,” he added.
Whatever qualms he may be feeling, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, congratulated the Republican leader, saying: “I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs.”
