In two days, European heads of state and government will gather in the Hungarian capital. Migration, economic security, and competitiveness are on the agenda. However, the consequences of the US election – not least for Ukraine's part – are likely to be in focus.
EU top von der Leyen is trying to calm the anxiety surrounding the relationship with the USA's incoming president Donald Trump.
I look forward to working with him again to strengthen the transatlantic bond. I have some experience of working with President Trump previously, so there is something to build on, says von der Leyen on her way into the so-called EPC summit in Budapest.
Can Europe handle it?
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (The Moderate Party) notes that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for Ukraine, in order to get the USA to continue to participate.
In the long run, it would not have been realistic to believe that Americans and American taxpayers would be the primary military contributors to Ukraine's defense. That task will have to rest to a greater extent on Europe, and we can handle that too. But of course, we can handle it much better if we have the USA with us in the future, says Kristersson – via mobile phone from one end of the meeting area to the Swedish press corps on site.
German crisis
Besides the US election, Germany's government crisis is also causing anxiety in European circles. Kristersson does not want to say that he is worried, but he hopes for a quick solution.
Countries have an easier time focusing on major common tasks if they have stability in domestic politics. That is absolutely clear. Germany and France are two incredibly important states – along with Italy – for European cooperation, so I hope they get a permanent solution as soon as possible, says Kristersson in Budapest.
Ursula von der Leyen notes for her part that the most important thing is for the EU to continue on its course – and looks forward to the discussion on better competitiveness to be held on Friday.
When we face challenges, no member state can handle it alone, but together we have immense power. Europe's future is in our hands, but we must act now, says von der Leyen.
