Trump’s re-election will test Europe’s democratic integrity and its treatment of minorities

Donald Trump’s re-election doesn’t just shake American politics; it’s also intensifying threats to Europe’s democratic foundations. Nowhere is this pressure felt more acutely than by the Roma, Europe’s largest and most disenfranchised minority, whose already fragile protections hang by a thread.

With the United States stepping back from its historic role as a global defender of democracy under Trump, Europe faces a defining choice: defend inclusivity or yield to the rising tide of far-right extremism and authoritarianism threatening to unravel its core values.

For decades, the transatlantic alliance has bolstered democratic norms across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Balkans—regions where over 12 million Roma rely on EU frameworks like the Rule of Law Mechanism and the Anti-Racism Action Plan for protection against systemic exclusion.

Yet, with democracy in decline in America and BRICS-aligned powers such as Russia and China asserting greater influence over Europe and pushing “stability” over civil liberties narrative, the cracks in these Western alliances have become more evident.

In this shifting global landscape, Roma politics have become both a gauge and a battleground for Europe’s democratic resilience. Trump’s re-election, signalling renewed American isolationism, leaves Europe more vulnerable to authoritarian currents.

Without US’ support for democratic norms, Roma protections risk unravelling under ethno-nationalist leaders who use disinformation, clientelism, and scapegoating to consolidate power.

This is not just a moral crisis — it is a strategic threat to Europe’s democratic architecture. How Europe responds will shape not only the future of Roma political inclusion but also the strength of its democratic institutions.

Fragile foundations of European democracy

The US-European alliance has long been a cornerstone of post-war European democracy, especially in vulnerable regions like CEE and the Balkans.

After World War II, Washington pushed beyond economic recovery, advocating for governance rooted in democratic principles. This alliance laid the foundation for inclusivity, crucially supporting minority and Roma rights through Cold War-era reforms.

Trump’s “America First” approach emboldens nationalist leaders in Europe. In such a climate, institutions like the Helsinki Commission, which once spotlighted anti-Roma violence, and USAID, known for resilience programmes, lose their influence.

As US engagement wanes, Roma risk falling into patronage systems that stifle political autonomy and democratic engagement.

Across Europe, populist leaders weaponise anti-Roma sentiment to secure power. Viktor Orbán in Hungary uses exclusionary rhetoric, casting Roma as threats to society. In Western Europe, migration from CEE countries fuels hostility, deepening political divides.

While EU frameworks like the Rule of Law Mechanism and the Anti-Racism Action Plan exist, they struggle against nationalist pushback, revealing the urgent need for consistent enforcement.

What are the pathways to building a European shield?

To address these challenges, the EU must act decisively. First, it must prioritise measures that strengthen its democratic framework and protect its most vulnerable communities.

Second, it should empower institutions like the European Court of Justice and the Fundamental Rights Agency to issue binding recommendations on minority protections. Further, by linking these to financial incentives, the EU can enforce rule-of-law mechanisms more effectively, ensuring member states uphold democratic principles and bolstering trust in EU governance.

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Third, investing in Roma-led civil society is essential. Programmes such as the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) initiative and the European Social Fund+ offer opportunities to empower Roma communities, helping them build resilience and independence from clientelist networks.

These investments can foster grassroots engagement, counter nationalist rhetoric, and amplify Roma voices in local and EU-level decision-making processes.

Fourth, tackling the growing threat of digital disinformation is equally vital. The European Democracy Action Plan must expand to include Roma-specific digital literacy initiatives, equipping communities with tools to navigate and resist manipulative online campaigns.

By partnering with resources like the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EU can protect Roma from harmful narratives and promote more informed, active civic participation.

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A defining test for Europe

In addition, strengthening transatlantic and global alliances is crucial. Establishing an EU-US Taskforce on Roma Inclusion, supported by NATO and allied democracies like Canada and Australia, would signal a united commitment to defending minority rights and countering authoritarian influence. This collaboration can amplify Roma inclusion efforts and reinforce Europe’s stance as a global champion of democracy.

Finally, institutionalising Roma representation within EU governance would embed their voices where they matter most.

Creating pathways for Roma leaders to serve in the European Parliament and other key bodies would not only highlight the EU’s dedication to diversity but also ensure that policymaking reflects the experiences and needs of one of Europe’s most marginalised communities.

The EU’s approach to Roma inclusion will reveal its ability to defend democratic values in the face of extremism and authoritarianism. With Trump’s re-election shifting US priorities, Europe must step up to fortify its foundations.

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By protecting Roma rights, the EU can establish itself as a global democratic leader. The moment calls for bold action — securing a future where Roma and other marginalised groups actively contribute to a resilient, democratic Europe.

Željko Jovanović is President of the Roma Foundation for Europe.