Von der Leyen: EU-US relations unlikely to return to pre-Trump era

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on July 10 that relations between the European Union and the United States may never fully recover to their pre-Trump administration state. 

Speaking at the seventh Franco-Italian Confindustria-Medef Economic Forum in Rome, von der Leyen emphasised the EU’s efforts to stabilise transatlantic trade ties while also diversifying its global partnerships, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

"We are working tirelessly to find an initial understanding with the US to keep tariffs as low as possible and to provide the stability that businesses need," she noted.

Von der Leyen added that Brussels is working closely with Washington to reduce tariffs and create a stable environment for businesses. She argued that tariffs ultimately harm both sides, calling them a burden on industry and consumers alike. However, she acknowledged that the EU must be realistic about the limits of the current relationship with the US.

Highlighting the bloc’s shifting trade strategy, von der Leyen pointed out that around 80 per cent of the EU’s trade now involves partners other than the United States, underscoring efforts to diversify economic ties amid geopolitical uncertainty.

She also addressed concerns over potential backtracking on the EU Green Deal, stating that the bloc remains committed to its climate goals. Von der Leyen stressed that while the EU aims to simplify regulations, the core environmental targets remain unchanged.

She underlined the importance of predictability in investment planning and said the Commission is seeking a balance between setting ambitious climate targets and avoiding excessive regulatory burdens on businesses.

By Sabina Mammadli