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Von der Leyen: The EU is ready for a constructive dialogue with the US, but also to respond if targeted

by AI | 04.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The EU is ready for constructive dialogue with the USA, but at the same time, it is prepared to respond decisively if unfairly or arbitrarily targeted, said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the press conference she held shortly after the conclusion of the informal European Council in Brussels.

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The EU is ready for a constructive dialogue with the US, but at the same time is ready to respond decisively if targeted unfairly or arbitrarily, said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at a press conference held shortly after the conclusion of the informal European Council in Brussels, which was dedicated to defense and transatlantic relations.

Von der Leyen explained that transatlantic cooperation was discussed at the summit and added, “we all know that much is at stake.”

“We discussed how to strengthen a very realistic cooperation with the US,” she emphasized, noting that there are new challenges and increasing uncertainties. 
She added that “the EU is ready for a strong but constructive dialogue with the US,” however, there are potential challenges in relations with Washington and “we are ready for that.”

“If the EU is targeted unfairly or arbitrarily, we will respond decisively,” clarified the President of the European Commission.

Regarding US tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, von der Leyen estimated that “nothing positive comes out of this.”
As she noted, tariffs increase business costs, harm workers and consumers, create unnecessary disruptions in the economy, and increase inflation.

Therefore, the President of the European Commission stressed, the EU will prioritize “productive discussions” with the US and wants a dialogue to be conducted “in a timely manner.” At the same time, the EU has its own challenges to face, she pointed out. “We have to do our job and focus on our own challenges. Increase and improve our competitiveness,” she judged.

Photo: EU/3/2/2025