Mixed reactions greet Bush on re-election

And the US’s twelfth two-term President is not short of advice, with many of Europe’s leaders eying an opportunity to get their message across.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder "heartily" congratulated his US counterpart while stressing the need for the international community to face the World’s challenges together.

"Great challenges face the world: international terrorism, the danger of weapons of mass destruction being built; regional crises – but poverty, climate change and epidemics also threaten our security and stability. These challenges can only be overcome by working together", he said.

Nordic leaders Göran Persson of Sweden, Anders Fogh Rasmussen of Denmark and the Finnish president Tarja Halonen all expressed their hope of improved co-operation between the US and the EU.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, arguably Mr Bush’s closest ally in Europe, also used his congratulatory message to deliver a call to action.

"The need to revitalise the Middle East peace process is the single most pressing political challenge in our world today", he said after telephoning Mr Bush.

The French president Jacques Chirac struck a conciliatory tone but pointed to the need for respect and cooperation.

"It is in a spirit of dialogue, esteem and mutual respect that our co-operation must continue to evolve, our common fight against terrorism and the joint actions which we are engaged in to promote liberty and democracy must continue to develop", Mr Chirac said.

Spanish premier Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero hit a similar note, speaking of "efficient cooperation".

Washington watching

Amid all the messages, European officials will be looking for the first signs of the orientation of the second Bush administration.

With the House of Representatives and Senate both firmly in Republican hands, many fear a reinvigorated and emboldened administration may continue the course set in the last three years since 11 September.

European leaders will also be keen to see which figures take up key posts in the new administration, with the power balance between the State and Defence Departments likely to be key.

With Secretary of State Colin Powell reportedly on his way out, Europe will lose what many saw as a dovish voice in the administration.

However, the appointment of a close Bush aide such as Condoleezza Rice, while cutting a more hawkish figure, could also bring strength to a department that has seen its influence ebb, although her future role in the administration is still unclear.