This has almost been accompanied by threats of tariffs in the past 24 hours between the EU and the US.
However, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the US Vice President, J.D. Vance, nevertheless chose a conciliatory tone when they met in Paris on Tuesday. Before the press was asked to leave the room, J.D. Vance said that he would discuss trade and economic issues with von der Leyen at the meeting.
- The Trump administration has made it very clear that we care a lot about Europe. We see a lot of economic relations to build on with Europe.
- We also want to make sure that we are actually entering into a security partnership that is good for both Europe and the US, said Vance.
The polite phrases come after US President Donald Trump began the week by pushing the parties one step closer to the trade war that many fear. On Monday, Trump signed a decree that will impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imported into the United States from March 12. This will also affect European manufacturers.
The American announcement prompted von der Leyen to state earlier on Tuesday that the EU will retaliate.
- Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not remain unanswered - they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures. The EU will act to protect its economic interests.
- We will protect our workers, companies and consumers, von der Leyen said in a press release on Tuesday morning.
However, at the beginning of the meeting with J.D. Vance in connection with the AI Summit in Paris, von der Leyen also chose a conciliatory tone.
- I had the pleasure of listening to your inspiring speech at the AI Summit today. I really liked that you said that we should be optimistic about AI.
- I think the same applies to our transatlantic relations, which are deep and strong, said von der Leyen.
After the meeting, Ursula von der Leyen sent a message on the social media X, thanking the US vice president for the meeting.
- Thank you for a good discussion about our common challenges as allies. From security and stability to the great promise of technology and the critical challenge of overcapacity outside the market.
- I look forward to continued cooperation with POTUS (President Of The United States, ed.) and you, writes von der Leyen.
Vance and von der Leyen will both attend a security conference in Munich on Friday.
jel /ritzau/
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