ANKARA

Europe must "take charge of its own destiny" after the election of a new US president, the French government spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

In an interview with broadcaster RTL, Maud Bregeon said the US is an ally “and will remain so.”

The election results must incite Europe to question how it “structures itself in the face of great global challenges, to not depend on other big powers.”

“This must make us ask ourselves not what the US would do, but what Europe is capable of doing … So, in some key sectors, and I think of defense, reindustrialization, decarbonization, we must take charge of our own destiny,” Bregeon added.

She recalled that President Emmanuel Macron in a speech in 2018 emphasized the need to strengthen European sovereignty. “We already have big progress, we must continue, and I think again of our common defense and common sovereignty,” the spokeswoman explained.

She said a “nationalist fallback” is not the solution to those big powers, adding: "Our shield is Europe."

European leaders and officials have started congratulating US Republican candidate Donald Trump, who has declared victory in the US presidential election.

Trump is ahead of Democratic rival and Vice President Kamala Harris in the race to reach 270 Electoral College votes, the number needed to become president, having racked up 267, according to The Associated Press.