As Trump enters the fray, the danger is that a nationalist Europe will fragment, not stick together | Nathalie Tocci

Rightwing leaders such as Meloni and Orban set themselves up as Trump whisperers - but they only want to preserve their own interests

A far-right wind is blowing across the Atlantic. While the rise of the populist right in Europe predated Donald Trump's re-election, far-right parties, leaders and governments across Europe are being bolstered by his imminent return to power, and by Elon Musk's rising political star. There is some hope that Trump's presidency could have a unifying effect on Europe - and on issues such as defence policy, I believe it might.

Trump's apparent disregard for international law, sovereign borders and the US's Nato allies with his ludicrous threat, even before his second term begins, to annex Greenland by force, drew a swift and unified reaction from France, Germany and Spain, whose leaders made it clear that they are, as you would expect, appalled and standing with Denmark. Germany's chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said Trump's remarks had triggered incomprehension" among European leaders.

Nathalie Tocci is a Guardian Europe columnist