European Commission head tries to organize meeting with Trump before inauguration - Bloomberg
Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: Getty Images)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is trying to arrange a meeting with Donald Trump before his inauguration as US president. The meeting may take place in Florida, reports Bloomberg.
According to sources from the Bloomberg, the European Union official and Trump’s aides have held talks, but it is still unclear whether a visit to his Florida estate can be arranged before January 20.
The efforts to organize the meeting have been further complicated by von der Leyen's absence from Brussels after the holidays, as she is trying to recover from a severe pneumonia attack in her home country of Germany.
Bloomberg reports that EU officials have continued to struggle with establishing permanent communication channels with high-ranking colleagues in the new administration. On his part, Trump has repeatedly complained about Europe’s poor treatment of the US. He has promised to target the European Union with tariffs and take a tough stance on demands related to defense spending.
On Thursday evening, von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa issued identical statements, expressing their commitment to strengthening transatlantic ties.
"We look forward to a positive engagement with the incoming US Administration, based on our common values and shared interests. In a rough world, Europe and US are stronger together," the statement read.
It is known that von der Leyen had particularly close relations with outgoing US President Joe Biden, making several visits to the White House to coordinate policies on Ukraine and China. Now, officials are concerned that Trump may halt US assistance to Ukraine and begin communications with Russia.
The EU has privately pledged to closely cooperate with Trump's team on actions regarding China. However, European officials have warned that such cooperation is only possible if Trump does not impose tariffs on the European Union.
At the end of December, Donald Trump stated that EU member states should purchase more oil and gas from the US. Otherwise, customs duties will be raised for the European bloc.
