European leaders have welcomed projected Democratic victories in the US midterm elections and reaffirmed cooperation with Washington, while calling for greater European responsibility for security and prosperity.
Democrats were projected by US media on Wednesday to regain control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump and strengthening their ability to block his legislative agenda.
The party was projected to secure 53 Senate seats against 42 for Republicans as counting continued, and at least 218 seats in the 435-member House of Representatives.
France and Spain
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot hailed the outcome as “very good news for American democracy.”
“This is further proof that in a democracy, the people write their own history and that no one, neither algorithms nor private interests, can do it for them,” he told the National Assembly.
Economy Minister Roland Lescure described the victory as “undeniable,” while cautioning that Trump retained control over foreign policy.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said voters had rejected hatred, sexism, climate change denial and privileges for elites.
“The far-right wave that Feijoo and Abascal are trying to jump on is no longer growing: it is crumbling,” he wrote on US social media company X, referring to Spain’s opposition leaders.
Austria and Germany
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed voter participation but said Austrian and European security and prosperity must not depend on how people in Kansas or Iowa vote.
“That is why we are strengthening our own defence capabilities and our own competitiveness,” she wrote on X.
“A strong EU is also the best foundation for a stable transatlantic relationship,” she added, highlighting efforts to expand partnerships, including with Canada.
German deputy government spokesman Steffen Meyer reaffirmed Washington’s importance as a partner and ally, pledging continued close cooperation.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius congratulated Democrats but stressed that “NATO must become more European in order to be able to remain transatlantic.”
“We are taking on more responsibility and a larger share of the burdens within the alliance. And that is right,” he said.
Britain and Czech Republic
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Trump’s acceptance of the results.
“I feel the world has an opportunity now to unite around the issue that is affecting us all – and that’s the cost of living,” he told broadcasters.
He pledged to work for Middle East de-escalation and expressed hope that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis predicted legislative gridlock and repeated impeachment efforts, according to Echo24.
“I think this means that by the end of President Trump’s mandate it will be all impeachment and veto, it will be a certain paralysis,” he said.
He also expressed hope that Trump would fulfil his promise to end the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
Norway, Italy and Denmark
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called the outcome a “victory for democracy,” welcoming Republicans’ acceptance of the results, broadcaster NRK reported.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed cooperation with Washington, saying: “We always respect the will of the American people.”
Danish European Parliament member Christel Schaldemose expressed cautious optimism about support for Ukraine and the green transition, while stressing that Europe must become stronger and more self-reliant.
The new congressional majorities are scheduled to take office in January 2027.
