| With polls opening in the US, read our latest news covering the elections: As the results come in from the US through the night, read our AmericaLive Blog, for the immediate reactions from the European press, leaders, and the Brussels bubble. Our special correspondent in Washington DC, Alexandra Brzozowski, reports on how European diplomats are concerned about a power vacuum following uncertain preliminary results, as American voters head to the polls today. Our other special correspondent, Sarantis Michalopoulos, is in Florida, talking to Trump supporters to find out how they see Europe. An expert says the US elections are ‘most important ever’ for Poland and Central Europe. Do not let the government fail at ‘the worst time’, German leaders tell coalition partners, as the government braces for a showdown one day after American elections The European Parliament commissioner-designate hearings continue this week: Get the latest news from our journalists attending the hearings on our live blog. Ireland’s commissioner-designate, Michael McGrath, took questions on tech policy and the rule of law, plus other issues from MEPs on Tuesday (5 November). Bulgarian commissioner-designate Ekaterina Zaharieva was pressed on conflicting Commission priorities. “Competitiveness and environment should go hand in hand,” she stressed. European Greens challenge Raffaele Fitto’s nomination as Meloni remains positive. His nomination has been controversial from the start. Environment commissioner-designate expected to survive tough MEP questions on chemicals. “Jessika is an experienced politician,” said German MEP (EPP) and ENVI Committee coordinator Peter Liese last week. In other news France signs first-ever return migration deal with Kazakhstan. The deal comes amid a strengthening of bilateral ties between Paris and Astana. Spanish government blames far-right groups for violence in flood-hit Valencia. There is a risk of more storms in the area over the next few days. France’s deputy minister for industry, Marc Ferracci, called for introducing “emergency” measures to save Europe’s struggling carmakers on Tuesday (5 October), including postponing potentially large fines. | 
