Joe Biden speaks to top EU leaders

Joe Biden, the US-President elect has spoken with top European allies most notably German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and others.

Leaders of Germany, France, and Britain held phone calls with US President-elect Joe Biden where he gave them firm assurances of a smooth transition and ascension to power on January 20. Everything seems uncertain at the moment as Donald Trump has disputed the outcome of the election, breaking away from the norm of conceding defeat and initiating a transition process. 

The German Chancellor’s spokesman Steffen Seibert revealed their discussion on the importance of the trans-Atlantic partnership. In the call, she voiced her concern for “a close and trustworthy cooperation.” The tone of the congratulatory message was different than after the 2016 election when she advocated for respect of “democratic values.”

Chancellor #Merkel congratulates @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. #Election2020 pic.twitter.com/A9Vwy1XYAR

— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) November 7, 2020

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the desire to work with the American president on health, climate, and terrorism. The French president revealed the conversation in a Facebook post which mentioned “climate, global health, international security - and effective multilateral action” as top areas for cooperation. 

The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let's work together!

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 7, 2020

In a Twitter share, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated the president-elect on the victory. Johnson is a firm believer in Brexit and enjoys a cordial relationship with President Donald Trump and it was a surprise that he was one of the first leaders to congratulate Joe Biden. When they spoke he mentioned climate change, democracy, and building back post-pandemic as his top priority areas for cooperation.

Johnson’s office laid emphasis on the “close and longstanding relationship” between the two countries, even pledging to strengthen the bonds of “trade and security.” Johnson invited the president-elect to the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow and expressed a desire to see him at the U.K G7 summit in 2021. 

I just spoke to @JoeBiden to congratulate him on his election. I look forward to strengthening the partnership between our countries and to working with him on our shared priorities – from tackling climate change, to promoting democracy and building back better from the pandemic.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 10, 2020

27 leaders of the block will look toward "reenergizing the trans-Atlantic relations" with the new Biden administration.

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