MOSCOW, August 2 The European Commission has created a special group of officials within preparations for the possible return of former American President Donald Trump to the post of head of the United States, the Financial Times newspaper writes, citing sources.
“The EC has formed a special group of officials to prepare for Trump’s possible return to the White House,” the publication writes.
As the newspaper notes, this decision was made against the backdrop of the EU developing a strategy in the event of a possible sharp change in Washington's policy on issues such as free trade and support for Ukraine. The group, consisting of a narrow circle of people, must also determine the possible consequences for the EU if the current Vice President of the country, Kamala Harris, wins the US elections.
«The elections (in the US — ed.) are far from over, so it's about finding out what the consequences might be in any outcome… Key officials (discussing — ed.), what you need to focus on most,” the publication quotes one of the sources as saying.
According to the newspaper, the group was formed by the office of EC Secretary General Ilze Juhansone. It consists of a limited number of officials representing the relevant divisions of the commission, which deal with issues such as trade, competition and foreign affairs. The Financial Times reported on July 22 that a similar informal “crisis group” had been formed at the German Foreign Ministry to discuss and prepare for a scenario with Trump returning to power in the United States.
The US presidential elections will take place on November 5th. Trump is officially nominated by the Republican Party for the post of head of state. Along with him, Senator J.D. Vance from Ohio was confirmed as a vice-presidential candidate.