In Davos, Switzerland, on Jan 21, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the European Union's intention to seek dialogue and negotiation with U.S. President Donald Trump. She emphasized the dangers of a potential "global race to the bottom" through the use of measures like tariffs.
During the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, Von der Leyen highlighted a new era of intense global competition that has unfolded over the past 25 years. Trump, aiming to address the U.S. trade deficit with the EU, signaled potential steps such as tariffs or increased energy exports.
Von der Leyen did not specifically name Trump but alluded to the growing trend of employing sanctions, export restrictions, and tariffs to protect national interests. She stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts to prevent a downward spiral in global standards, underscoring the importance of modernizing regulations to benefit citizens mutually.
Regarding future engagements, Von der Leyen revealed plans for her first official trip with the new Commission to India, aiming to enhance the strategic partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, she advocated for constructive interaction with China.
She reaffirmed support for the Paris Climate Agreement as essential and lamented Trump's decision to withdraw from it. Despite this, she acknowledged the EU's strong ties with the U.S., emphasizing their close economic integration, which accounts for 30% of global trade.
Von der Leyen concluded by emphasizing a pragmatic yet principled approach to negotiations, emphasizing the EU's commitment to safeguarding its interests and values.