Europe was not surprised by Donald Trump’s election victory and European Union members are prepared to defend their values, an EU diplomat told CNN.

“I really don’t feel a ‘hangover’ atmosphere,” the diplomat told CNN regarding the atmosphere in European Council meetings.

“The EU, the member states were very well prepared. No surprises.”

“The feeling is now more than ever that the Union is a respectable lady in her 70s, and no longer the fragile little sister of the United States,” added the diplomat, who is not permitted to speak on the record about closed-door meetings.

They added that the EU is “ready to face the challenges of the world and defend its values, with all its partners and allies. And that remains, whatever the outcome of the elections here or there can be.”

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