Borrell calls Trump ‘dangerous’ as US midterms reshape Europe debate
Former EU foreign policy chief says Democrats' midterm win may not ease transatlantic tensions, while Spain prepares for a snap election.
Key points
- Josep Borrell, former EU High Representative, says Donald Trump remains a very dangerous person for the world.
- He argues Trump still holds veto powers despite the Democrats' midterm victory in Congress.
- Borrell says Europeans have been too accepting of US demands and have been paying the bill for Ukraine.
- He sees the Republican midterm defeat as encouraging for the left ahead of elections in France and Spain.
- Pedro Sanchez has called an early election for 29 November, a move Borrell says may or may not pay off.
Josep Borrell, a former top EU diplomat, has said Donald Trump is still a serious danger to the wider world. He made the remarks in an interview published by France 24 on 6 November 2026. Borrell argued that the US president keeps significant powers even after his party’s losses at the polls.
Borrell led the EU’s foreign and security policy portfolio for five years. He also served as Spain’s foreign minister. He now heads the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs, known as CIDOB, which is regarded as one of Europe’s leading think tanks. He described his time in office as a period of serious international strain, shaped by crises in Ukraine and Gaza.
What the midterm results could mean
The interview focused on the effect of the US midterm elections on Europe. Democrats gained a clear victory in Congress, a result the interview labels a blue tsunami. The central question is whether this shift will produce smoother ties between Washington and European capitals. The other possibility is that a president with fewer domestic limits could act less predictably abroad.
According to Borrell, Trump keeps his veto authority despite the Democratic gains. He said the president remains very dangerous for the world. He also described the relationship across the Atlantic as damaged in several places.
Europe’s approach to Washington
Borrell was critical of how European governments have dealt with the United States. In his view, the continent has leaned too far toward deference, and he said this posture has not served it well.
On Ukraine, he doubts that American financial support will rise soon. He argued that European countries have been carrying most of the cost of helping Kyiv. He also named the Gaza conflict among the major international crises the bloc faced during his time in office.
Implications for elections in France and Spain
The interview also asked what the Republicans’ sharp midterm loss could signal for right-wing and far-right groups in Europe, some of which hope to make gains. Borrell called the American result encouraging for left-leaning parties.
Elections are coming up in France and Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has scheduled an early vote for 29 November. Borrell said it is too early to tell whether that decision will succeed. He also warned that a far-right party might join the Spanish cabinet for the first time since Francisco Franco died in 1975.
The remarks reflect one person’s view, given in a single interview. They show how closely European commentators are following the US midterms and their possible effect on politics across the continent.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Josep Borrell?
Josep Borrell is a former Spanish foreign minister who spent five years leading EU foreign and security policy. He now heads the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs, a think tank.
Why does Borrell say Trump is dangerous?
Borrell said Trump still holds veto powers despite the Democratsu0026#039; midterm win. He called the US president a very dangerous figure for the world in an interview with France 24.
When is Spainu0026#039;s snap election?
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election for 29 November. Borrell said it is not yet clear whether the gamble will pay off.
Sources
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