News analysis

Europe relieved about new US leadership but broader issues remain

Both sides must tackle pressing matters such as trade, policy towards China and Russia

US President Joe Biden delivering his inaugural address in front of the US Capitol in Washington last Wednesday. The sense of relief in European capitals about the change of power in the US is palpable.
US President Joe Biden delivering his inaugural address in front of the US Capitol in Washington last Wednesday. The sense of relief in European capitals about the change of power in the US is palpable. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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"America is back," declared US President Joe Biden in his inaugural address last Wednesday. "We will repair our alliances and get involved in the world again," he vowed.

But there is no agreement among European governments about what this means for the future of their broader trans-Atlantic link, which remains, by any measure of trade volumes or military capabilities, the world's most significant alliance.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 25, 2021, with the headline Europe relieved about new US leadership but broader issues remain. Subscribe