European Parliament’s US relations chief welcomes shift in congressional control, calling for renewed cooperation on trade, Ukraine, Iran and strategic industries.
The Democratic Party’s takeover of both chambers of the US Congress has opened the door to a potential reset in transatlantic relations, with the European Union signalling its readiness to re-engage with Washington’s new congressional leadership.
Brando Benifei, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the United States and a member of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, described the US midterm election results as a clear political message against President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Democrats’ victory sends political message to Washington
The Democrats’ gains in the House of Representatives and Senate mark a significant shift in the balance of power in Washington, giving the opposition greater influence over legislation, congressional oversight and the administration’s political agenda.
In a statement issued today, Benifei said the outcome reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the direction of US policy, pointing to the rising cost of living, the war in Iran, civil rights and citizenship policies, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
“The American people want to turn the page on Donald Trump’s agenda,” Benifei said, arguing that the incoming Congress must translate the electoral message into concrete political action.
He also called on Congress to reassert its constitutional powers following what he described as years of executive overreach, including in matters concerning international law.
Brussels sees opportunity to revive transatlantic dialogue
Beyond the domestic political implications, Benifei placed particular emphasis on the consequences of the election for relations between Washington and Brussels.
As chair of the European Parliament’s US delegation and co-chair of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue, he welcomed the newly elected members of both the House and Senate, expressing hope that the new congressional legislature would provide an opportunity to renew institutional dialogue and cooperation.
The transatlantic relationship, he stressed, remains essential to European security, economic competitiveness and the interests of citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
The challenge, however, will be to translate the political shift in Washington into practical cooperation on a series of issues where European and American interests do not always fully coincide.
Trade, Ukraine and Middle East top EU-US agenda
Benifei called for an ambitious transatlantic agenda, identifying trade, support for Ukraine, the Middle East and strategic industries as key areas for renewed engagement.
On trade, he advocated a gradual return to zero-for-zero tariffs, signalling the importance of reducing trade barriers and rebuilding confidence between the two economic partners.
He also underlined the need to strengthen support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression and work towards a solution to the crisis in the Middle East.
Strategic cooperation on critical raw materials and semiconductors was another priority highlighted in his statement. Both the EU and the US, he argued, have a shared interest in securing supply chains, addressing distortions in global trade and countering unfair competition.
Rebuilding trust across the Atlantic
“Now is the time to rebuild trust and invest in a partnership between allies, founded on reciprocity and shared strategic interests,” Benifei said.
For Brussels, the change in congressional control offers a new political interlocutor at a time when relations with Washington face challenges over trade, security commitments and international policy.
(Sources: European Parliament)
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