Take a short tour of the chancelleries of Europe and you will find little disagreement about what is expected of the winner of the coming US election.

Near the top of most lists comes a commitment to tackle climate change. So too does a willingness to see through a Middle East peace process and to open talks with Iran. A subtler approach to the war on terrorism is another priority. Add a bias towards multilateralism and respect for the sensitivities of allies and you more or less have it.