European leaders on Saturday congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their capturing the White House, as projected by major media outlets.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Twitter sent a congratulatory message to Biden and Harris saying: “We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let's work together!”
Angela Merkel, Germany's first female chancellor, congratulated Biden as well as Kamala Harris, the “first female vice president,” her spokesperson said on Twitter.
"I look forward to working together with President Biden in the future. Our transatlantic friendship is indispensable if we are to face the greatest challenges of our time,” said Merkel.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took Twitter to congratulate Biden and Harris on their “historic achievement.”
“The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security,” said Johnson, whose nation forms one half of the US-UK "special relationship."
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also said: “A record number of people have cast their vote in this election. This illustrates the vibrancy of the American political life and its democracy.”
Robert Abela, prime minister of the island nation of Malta, also congratulated Biden and Harris on their victory, adding that Harris “as first woman vp in the US – [is] so inspiring.”
“Congratulations to the American people and institutions for an outstanding turnout of democratic vitality,” said Giuseppe Conte, Italy's prime minister.
“We are ready to work with the President-elect Joe Biden to make the transatlantic relationship stronger. The US can count on Italy as a solid Ally and a strategic partner,” he added.
While such congratulations from world leaders are standard, they carry added poignancy after nearly four years of defeated incumbent Donald Trump, who has strained US relations with most of its Western allies.
Trump has promised to challenge the race's outcome, but messages to Biden by such major players as Britain and Germany also may put pressure on the outgoing president to concede.
Across the continent, congratulations
Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga said on Twitter: “This is a strong signal. Switzerland is convinced that our excellent relations with the United States will continue to develop and thrive under the new administration.”
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also took Twitter to congratulate Biden, saying: “Joe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I’m certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger.”
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz also said on Twitter: “Europe and the United States share a system of values – values that we stand up for together.”
“Looking forward to our future cooperation!” he added.
Antonio Costa, Portugal’s prime minister, tweeted: “We look forward to working with the new USA Administration to reinforce transatlantic relations and cooperate on global issues, such as climate change, defense of democracy and international security.”
Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands, also tweeted “on behalf of the Dutch cabinet” that he would like to congratulate Biden and Harris for “their election victory after a close race.”
“I am looking forward to continue the strong bond between our countries, and hope to speak with him about these matters soon,” he added.
NATO and EU
The chief of NATO – the transatlantic alliance disparaged and strained by Biden’s predecessor – also congratulated the victors.
“US leadership is as important as ever in an unpredictable world, and I look forward to working very closely with President-elect Biden, Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and the new administration to further strengthen the bond between North America and Europe,” said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a statement.
“We need this collective strength to deal with the many challenges we face, including a more assertive Russia, international terrorism, cyber and missile threats, and a shift in the global balance of power with the rise of China. We can only be secure and successful if we face these challenges together,” he added.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, and European Council President Charles Michel also sent their congratulations in separate statements.
“The EU and the USA are friends and allies, our citizens share the deepest of links. I look forward to working with President-elect Biden,” said von der Leyen.
“We take note of the latest development in the electoral process. On this basis the EU congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on reaching enough Electoral Votes,” said Michel.
“The EU underlines, once again, its commitment to a strong transatlantic partnership and stands ready to engage with the elected President, new Congress and Administration,” he added.
Michel also hailed the record turnout of American voters.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also congratulated Biden and Harris, saying: “Record voter turnout expressed will of the American people for change.”
“Great day for US and Europe, we look forward to working together with new administration to rebuild our partnership,” he added.
