In a notable development amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and Europe, U.S. President Donald Trump has consented to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This agreement was announced by her spokesperson, Paola Piñho, following a brief interaction at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome on Saturday.
During the funeral, video footage captured the moment when the two leaders shook hands and engaged in a short conversation. The spokesperson relayed,
“In their brief exchange, President von der Leyen and President Trump agreed to meet.”
However, the exact date and agenda for their meeting have yet to be determined.
Significance of the upcoming meeting
Prior to this exchange, Trump and von der Leyen had not interacted since before Trump took office in January. Notably, Trump has frequently prioritized meetings with other national leaders, such as Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, seemingly overlooking von der Leyen’s position.
The urgency for a diplomatic dialogue has intensified, especially for the European Union, which is currently facing a significant threat of tariffs—20 percent on all its exports to the U.S., alongside 25 percent duties specifically targeting automobiles, steel, and aluminum. This economic strain looms unless a new trade agreement can be reached by the summer.
EU’s response and potential consequences
In response to these developments, the EU has signaled its willingness to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, although it has refrained from immediate action since Trump extended a 90-day reprieve to trading partners earlier this month. Currently, the U.S. maintains a 10 percent tariff on all European imports, while EU leaders are advocating for the elimination of tariffs on both sides.
The arrangement for the upcoming meeting comes shortly after Meloni’s visit to Washington, where she sought to facilitate a dialogue between Trump and the EU chief. As of now, the Trump administration has not officially confirmed the details of the planned meeting.