Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, hailed Sunday’s three-way transatlantic discussions held by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome as a potential “new beginning” in the two blocs’ foreign ties.
Even though the two sides of the Atlantic “have some disagreements, as friends sometimes do, on issues like trade,” US Vice President JD Vance referred to Europe as “an important ally” in his opening remarks.
“We have the largest trade relationship in the world, with more than $1.5 trillion per year, very much intertwined,” von der Leyen said, highlighting the two countries’ substantial trading partnership.
“Everyone is aware that the details are crucial, but what unites us is that we ultimately want to have a good deal for both sides,” the head of the EU Commission continued.
She also used the opportunity to praise the United States for its involvement in the effort to put a stop to Russia’s full-scale conflict in Ukraine and to put Ukraine on the table.
“What is important now is certainly that we push, that things are moving forward and I think the next week will be crucial on that,” von der Leyen said.
Defence was the final topic discussed outside of Ukraine. Von der Leyen stated that the European Commission has taken action to help facilitate the requirement for EU member states to boost defence spending.
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