Wadephul sees opportunities for Ukraine aid following US congressional elections
Following the Democrats’ victory in Congress, senior German politicians see new opportunities for cooperation. Foreign Minister Wadephul hopes for progress on aid to Ukraine.
Berlin (d.de, dpa) – Following the US midterm elections, senior German politicians have emphasised the importance of transatlantic cooperation. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul sees new opportunities to support Ukraine. He said he was “somewhat optimistic” that the two parties in the US Congress would hold more talks on joint assistance again. “Perhaps this is also a new opportunity to launch fresh initiatives in one area or another,” Wadephul said. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius offered his “heartfelt” congratulations to the Democrats on a “historic victory”.
New majorities in the US Congress
The Democrats won majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the midterm elections. This shifts the balance of political power in the US Congress. President Donald Trump will remain in office for another two years, but the new majorities could play a greater role in legislation and budget policy in particular.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz expects the main impact to be on US budget and defence policy. As Congress has a say in government spending, the new majorities could also influence funding for the US armed forces. “What will change is budget planning and, of course, planning for the armed forces as a result,” Merz said. However, he does not expect any fundamental changes in foreign policy for the time being.
We stand ready to work together.
Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil also congratulated the Democrats on a “landslide victory”. “That certainly gives us grounds for optimism,” he said, adding with regard to cooperation: “We stand ready to work together.” Federal Education Minister Karin Prien described it as “a morning of hope”.
Defence Minister Pistorius reaffirmed that Germany would continue to work closely and in a spirit of trust with the US administration. Regardless of the election result, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, said Pistorius, adding that the European pillar of NATO would therefore have to be strengthened further.
