The EU continues to regard the United States as “allies,” despite President Donald Trump’s critical comments about the bloc, according to European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. She emphasized the necessity for Europe to “step up” its defense efforts.
When questioned during a news conference about the need to reevaluate Brussels’s stance towards Washington, similar to its approach towards Beijing, Ms. von der Leyen responded with a clear “no,” asserting that the relationship with the United States differs significantly from that with China.
“Certainly, the US are allies,” she remarked to reporters in Brussels.
“Yes, there are differences… but when we examine the common interests at play, they consistently surpass our differences,” she noted, adding: “We will have our differences. We must address them.”
Donald Trump has consistently threatened to impose tariffs on the European Union.
Ms. von der Leyen, speaking in generalities, pointed out that in today’s world “everything has become transactional.”
She expressed a growing urgency among the 27-nation EU, stating that “something fundamental has shifted. Our European values – democracy, freedom, the rule of law – are under threat.”
“The world around us is evolving at a breakneck pace. Geopolitical changes are shaking alliances. Long-standing certainties are disintegrating.”
When specifically asked about the future of the transatlantic relationship with the United States, Ms. von der Leyen acknowledged that while the allied bond remains, “this does not imply that the framework we had for the last… 25 to 30 years… is still the appropriate one.”
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She indicated that the shifting dynamics of US ties serve as “a very strong wake-up call, and now is Europe’s moment to step up in defense and adopt the posture we require.”
The EU has already made a significant move in this direction, with a summit on Thursday agreeing to mobilize approximately €800 billion to enhance defense spending, a long-standing request from Washington, according to the EU chief.
“We are allies, but this entails that all allies must assume their responsibilities,” she stated.
Ms. von der Leyen added that within the “next weeks,” she plans to convene the bloc’s inaugural meeting of EU commissioners focused on “external and internal security, energy, defense, and research,” which will include discussions on cybersecurity, trade, and “foreign interference.”
