European leaders gather in Budapest to discuss Trump's return and other topics

They hope they will have no disagreement similar to American President-elect Donald Trump, as if during his first term.

Among the leaders attending the Budapest summit are those of the Western Balkans, including Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, who thanked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his hospitality.

European leaders will also seek compliance with a common and powerful attitude towards Russia during this one-day summit.

Rutte, who was prime minister of the Netherlands during the first term of Trump 2017-2021, said that “worked very well with him during four years”.

He's pretty clear what he wants. He understands we have to deal with each other to come to a common conclusion. And, I think we can do this”, Rutte said.

The Trump urged NATO's European allies to spend more on defence during his first term at the White House. He urged them to spend over 2 percent of Bruto's domestic production for protection, as required by NATO states, as well as less dependent on the American Army.

When he was president, it was the man who urged us to exceed 2 percent. And now, thanks to him, NATO, if we don't count US figures, has exceeded spending of 2 percent”, Rutte said.

Charles Michel, president of the EU Council, agreed that the European continent should be less dependent on the United States.

We must be more skilled at our fate. Not because of Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, but because of our children”, he said.

During the election campaign, Trump has threatened Europe with trade war, the US's withdrawal from NATO commitments, as well as substantial changes in Ukraine's support in the fight against Russia.

All these issues can have tremendous consequences for European countries.

Trump has said he would end the war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, within days of his return to the White House.

Ukraine and many of its European supporters fear that this means peace deals, under conditions that favour Russian President Vladimir Putin, including giving up territory.

Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, who is the host of the summit and Trump fans, said Thursday morning that there was a phone conversation with Trump at night, adding that “we have big plans for future”!

The impact of the US election outcome may be felt in Europe for years on issues such as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as immigration and climate change. / REL/