"Everyone in line for an agreement with the EU" - Von der Leyen stresses Europe's stability amid global tensions
Countries are ready to work with reliable trading partners in Europe after U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping trade tariffs rocked global markets, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. "In an increasingly unpredictable global environment, countries are lining up to work with us," the Commission president said, without mentioning Trump or the United States.
In recent weeks she has spoken to leaders from Iceland, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Canada, India and the United Arab Emirates, who were looking for “strong and reliable partners.” The global order is “changing more profoundly than at any time since the end of the Cold War,” von der Leyen added.
Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs on April 2, hitting the EU with a 20 percent tax and most of the world with a base tariff of 10 percent. As financial markets reeled, Trump suspended the higher tariffs for 90 days and opened the way for talks. The EU is still paying the 10 percent rate, as well as 25 percent on steel, aluminum and car exports, while the U.S. and China have slapped each other with triple-digit tariffs. If Trump reinstates these reciprocal tariffs, global trade in goods could shrink by 1.5 percent this year, with North America the hardest hit, the World Trade Organization predicts.
Von der Leyen has contrasted this instability with Europe's resolve and stability. Amid such turmoil, trust in the EU was growing, she argued, even among the bloc's own citizens, citing a poll that showed support for membership in the bloc at 74 percent, the highest level in 40 years. "In the midst of chaos, Europe stands resolute, based on values, ready to shape what comes next," von der Leyen said.
However, it is unclear whether the US or EU approach is gaining the upper hand in this battle. As Europe seeks to reach new trade deals, including a long-delayed pact with the Mercosur trade bloc of South American countries, Trump is holding talks with leaders of several foreign countries, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Conservative leader, one of the few European politicians to enjoy Trump's support, was welcomed with open arms this week at the White House, where the US president said he would "100 percent" have a trade deal with the EU. But no concrete details of a possible deal have yet emerged from the meeting, with EU officials skeptical about the chances of a quick solution.
Meanwhile, senior officials from the bloc, whom Trump has systematically shunned in favor of national leaders, are increasing their diplomatic contacts, with von der Leyen reportedly planning a trip to China to meet President Xi Jinping later this year.
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