European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has defended a recently reached customs compromise with U.S. President Donald Trump amidst ongoing scrutiny.
In a commentary published Monday, von der Leyen characterized the agreement as a deliberate choice – prioritizing stability and predictability over escalating tensions and confrontation. She posited that a failure to reach an accord between the two largest economies within the democratic world would have been welcomed solely by Moscow and Beijing.
Addressing the agreed-upon U.S. tariffs of up to 15 percent, the Commission President described the outcome as a “strong, if not perfect” deal. She argued that reciprocal tariffs from the European Union would have risked fueling a costly trade war with detrimental consequences for employment, consumers and European industry.
Von der Leyen simultaneously announced a strengthened effort to diversify European trade relationships. She highlighted recently concluded trade agreements with Mexico and Mercosur, deepened relations with Switzerland and the United Kingdom and the completion of negotiations with Indonesia. The Commission President also expressed intent to reach an agreement with India before the end of the year.