European leaders put a bit of hopeful tone on trade negotiations on Friday, suggesting that talks with the White House continued despite preparing to attack if Europe fails.
“I think President Trump had a good conversation over the phone at the Pope's funeral,” said Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, at a press conference in Brussels. “But for me, it's important to go to the White House and want a package that can be discussed.”
The European Commission is the enforcement unit of the 27 European Union and is responsible for trade policy. Authorities have struggled for months to make progress with their American counterparts, and until recently, von der Leyen had little interaction with President Trump. However, the two spoke about bystanders at Pope Francis' funeral held in Rome in late April, and yesterday Trump called von der Leyen “very wonderful.”
When asked about the comment, von der Leyen laughed and said, “I generally like compliments.” She added that she wanted to advance the negotiations.
“I want a solution that we both agree,” she added. “That's the job we're doing now.”
The new German Prime Minister, Friedrich Merz, was working with von der Leyen at a press conference. He reflected her attitude that Germany's biggest economy, the European Union, should continue to engage with American counterparts towards a contract.
“We need to find a solution negotiated with the US government,” Merz said. “When I go to Washington, it's not planned yet, but we'll plan it soon. I'll definitely coordinate with the European Commission to make sure we all sing from the same hymn sheet.”
Merz said it is important for Europe to have a “common position” in trade, and it is important for Germany to “fully support” the decisions Brussels has made so far.
The European Union announced Thursday it is preparing a retaliation programme in the event of a failed trade talks. It announced plans for both the World Trade Organization conflict and anti-abuse that could hit goods of around 95 billion euros ($100 billion) from beef to Boeing plane parts.
However, authorities have made it clear that they prefer to trade. And if it's not yet certain, the outlook appears to be on the rise.
