EU signals readiness to 'play tough' with US to protect interests

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was ready to negotiate toughly with the US, and would be more pragmatic when working with countries that do not share the same interests but do not share the same goals.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen - Photo: REUTERS

European Union (EU) leaders appear to be feeling the growing heat from the trade war launched by US President Donald Trump.

Mr Trump fired the first salvo by announcing tariffs on two of his closest neighbours, Canada and Mexico, then suspended them after receiving promises that the US border would be more tightly controlled.

After Canada and Mexico, Mr Trump has warned that the EU could be next, prompting the 27-nation bloc to brace for any contingencies.

At an informal meeting in Brussels (Belgium) on February 3, 27 leaders of EU member states discussed how to resolve relations with Washington.

On February 4, a conference of ambassadors from EU member states also opened with a speech by President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen.

"Both sides have many issues to resolve," von der Leyen said at the February 4 conference, stressing that many jobs, businesses and industries in the US and EU depend on each other.

According to her, the EU's top priority is still areas where both sides have many interests, such as essential supply chains and emerging technologies.

"We will be ready to negotiate toughly when necessary and find solutions when possible, to resolve any grievances and lay the foundations for a stronger partnership," the EC president said, stressing that the EU needs to be open, pragmatic and with a consistent view of protecting its own interests.

"We may have to engage in difficult negotiations, even with long-standing partners," von der Leyen continued, hinting at the possibility that the EU will have to work with countries that "do not share the same vision" but share some interests with Europe.

Stressing that the world is undergoing new developments, the EC President said that the basic principle of diplomacy in this new context is "focusing on the goal".

“That means finding common ground with partners for our mutual benefit, and accepting that sometimes we will have to agree to disagree,” she continued.

Diversifying markets and partners is a top concern for many countries and market blocs after Mr. Trump was elected president. The purpose is to minimize risks from tariffs by the new administration, protect businesses and interests from the risk of supply chain disruption.

Brussels has been strengthening trade ties with other parts of the world , including new deals with South American countries, Mexico and Switzerland – a non-EU member.

This trend will continue, including strengthening relations with India and holding an EU summit with South Africa, according to the EC president.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/eu-phat-tin-hieu-san-sang-choi-ran-voi-my-de-bao-ve-loi-ich-20250204195023478.htm