EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed her intention to closely coordinate with German Chancellor before her trip to the United States, particularly in regards to the upcoming meeting with Friedrich Merz, a CDU member, who is set to visit Washington.
In an interview with the “Berlin Playbook” podcast of Politico, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified stance in the ongoing trade dispute with the US, stating that the EU’s member states must speak with a single voice.
Regarding the negotiations with US President Donald Trump, von der Leyen advised against misinterpreting his words, urging more caution in dealing with the American leader. She also highlighted the need to take Trump seriously and listen to him attentively.
The EU Commission President’s primary concern is a united front against Trump, stressing that the competence in the trade dispute lies with the European Union.