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Right now, European Union officials are intensely scrutinizing the myriad of executive orders and sanctions that President Joe Biden has put into place, driven by fears that Donald Trump might dismantle them if he returns to office. Such a reversal could disrupt international relations and trade dynamics.
In Brussels, there’s a palpable anxiety that Trump, in his eagerness to undo Biden’s legacy, might act without fully pondering the effects on European partners. High-ranking figures in the European Commission have initiated a comprehensive evaluation of Biden’s policies—including those targeting Russia and others related to trade and cyber security. The goal? Identify which rollbacks Trump might pursue that could most impact the EU or undercut its own strategies, say individuals informed about this effort.
The urgency, as Trump’s January 20 inauguration looms, highlights the EU’s trepidation about his prospective decisions—especially given his previous rhetoric directed at key US allies. Recently, Trump has not discounted the possibility of military action or tariff impositions on Denmark, strategizing to acquire Greenland. Additionally, he has floated the idea of incorporating Canada into the US and staking claims over the Panama Canal.
A primary EU concern is Trump rolling back Biden’s sanctions on Russia, which have been pivotal since Russia’s sweeping invasion of Ukraine in 2022. EU officials are hopeful that Trump maintains these sanctions, viewing them as crucial leverage in any hypothetical bargaining with Moscow over a cease-fire.
A representative from Trump’s transition team remarked that the incoming president has received a strong mandate to fulfill his campaign promises and shake up the established norms in Washington.
Anticipating potential shifts in US policy, the European Commission last summer assembled a team of senior officials. Their focus has been on preparing for trade tensions, fluctuations in US assistance to Ukraine, and changes in America’s defense and security commitments to Europe.
Presidents wield the authority to issue executive orders, which can be revoked at any discretion. Typically, incoming presidents review such orders promptly after taking office. For instance, in 2017, Trump reversed the thaw with Cuba initiated by Barack Obama and withdrew from the Paris climate agreement. By the following year, he had also exited the Iran nuclear deal brokered under Obama.
“There’s a worry he’ll change course simply because Biden was behind these actions,” one insider noted. “Understanding how these changes could affect us is crucial.”
This report also includes contributions from Felicia Schwartz in Washington.
