Trump 2.0 raises awkward policy questions for Europe — but some lawmakers see ‘real opportunity’

The European Union is faced with some uncomfortable questions regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" program. Trump's return to the White House may be advantageous for the bloc this time around, according to EU officials, some of whom found his combative style difficult to handle during his first four-year term. Trump's presidential triumph may present Europe with a "real opportunity," according to Laurent Saint-Martin, minister delegate for international trade and French nationals abroad, who spoke to CNBC.U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda raises awkward questions for the European Union, although some lawmakers say Trump’s return to the White House could be a “real opportunity” for the 27-nation bloc. Trump, who promised a new “golden age” for America in his inaugural address on Monday, has repeatedly threatened to impose duties on goods imported to the U.S. from the EU, stoking fears of a possible trade war.

Earlier this week, Trump told reporters that the EU has been "very, very bad to us." They will therefore be subject to tariffs. Fairness can only be achieved in this manner. His comments come as the new U.S. government mulls putting an additional 10% duty on goods imported from China, potentially starting from next month. EU officials, some of whom battled with Trump’s confrontational manner during his first four-year term, have suggested his return to office could be a plus for the bloc this time around.At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, Laurent Saint-Martin, France's minister delegate for foreign trade and French nationals abroad, called Trump's election victory a "real opportunity" for Europe and told CNBC's Dan Murphy, "We have to stick together, this is very important."