06 Nov. Outcome of the elections in the USA

Donald Trump's re-election as President of the United States of America is pushing democracy in the USA to its limits. Trump has already shown in his first term how little he respects independent institutions and the political system. Now, in a second term, he will try even harder to silence critical media, weaken the influence of independent courts and further polarize elections.

Things are also getting bleak for environmental and climate protection. Trump has repeatedly dismissed climate change as "fake" and blocked important environmental measures. The USA, as one of the largest industrialized countries, will once again withdraw from the global fight against the climate crisis - a step that will cost future generations dearly, both in the USA and worldwide. We risk a future in which democratic values and the protection of our planet fall by the wayside!

Now more than ever, we in the EU must stand together, defend democratic values and pursue ambitious climate targets independently of the USA. The designated EU Commissioners around President von der Leyen, who has promised both a "geopolitical Commission" and an ambitious Green Deal, are currently answering questions from the European Parliament. Now more than ever, they must demonstrate that they have recognized the seriousness of the situation.