Politico unveils most influential figures in Europe

U.S. President Donald Trump has topped Politico’s ranking of the most influential people in Europe for the upcoming year 2026.

The outlet usually compiles such a ranking at the end of each year, calling it “The Class of Next Year.” It includes leaders from Europe and around the world who have influenced events on the European continent during the current year and are expected to continue doing so next year, CE Report quotes BTA.

Trump is not a European leader, but he plays an important role in the process of seeking a solution to the conflict in Ukraine and has indirectly affected Europe’s ambitions to become more strategically independent, Politico notes. Through some of his actions, he has redefined the continent's policies, especially in strengthening defense and security.

The American president and members of his administration criticized Europe’s situation regarding political correctness and migration policies. Trump also drew closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin and imposed tariffs on the EU. According to Politico, Trump’s shadow will continue to weigh heavily on European capitals next year as well. His actions have even managed to influence national politics in several European states, the outlet comments.

In the top ten of the “Class of 2026” ranking are Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, and Putin, placed in positions 2 to 5. From 6th to 10th are British far-right leader Nigel Farage, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and her British counterpart Keir Starmer.

Falling out of the top ten are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who ranks only 14th, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who appears in 19th place. Twentieth is former Italian Prime Minister and former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi, who has not held an official post for years but remains active in conferences and seminars and recently prepared an official report on the future of the European Commission.

The ranking includes 28 places in total, also featuring Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (12), EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas (16), newly appointed Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (21), Finnish President Alexander Stubb (13), Polish President Karol Nawrocki (23), FIFA President Gianni Infantino (28), French economist Gabriel Zucman (15), Dutch politician Rob Jetten (27), and others.

Last year’s ranking was topped by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Sky TG24 recalls.