As Trump takes office, EU says it’s ready to do business with the world

The European Union is “open for business” and keen on global partnerships, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, as the world grapples with the new US president’s trade protectionism Donald Trump.

“Europe will seek cooperation, not only with long-standing friends, but with any country we share interests with,” Von der Leyen said during her official speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. She suggested that when it comes to challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence, countries must work together even against a background of “tough competition”.

“Our message to the world is simple: if there are mutual benefits in sight, we are ready to engage with you. If you want to upgrade your clean technology industries, if you want to upgrade your digital infrastructure, Europe is open for business,” Von der Leyen said.

The head of the European Commission also noted that he saw a growing interest from around the world to engage more with Europe, pointing to the partnerships the bloc has made with Switzerland, Mexico and the South American trade bloc Mercosur.

Europe seeks to strengthen cooperation with any countries open to collaboration, including partners such as the United States, Von der Leyen said, noting the close integration of the US and EU economies. For example, he noted that many American workers are employed by European companies, and he also pointed to mutual supply chains and trade between the two countries.

“A lot is at stake for both sides,” he said. “Our first priority will be to commit first, discuss the common interest and be ready to negotiate. We will be pragmatic, but we will always stand on our principles, we will protect our interests and maintain our values ​​because this is the European way.”

Questions are being raised about the future of the European Union’s trade relationship with Washington’s historic ally, after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on goods from the EU. The measures could significantly impact the bloc’s economies.

“While someone in Europe may not like this new reality, we are ready to deal with it,” von der Leyen said.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the United States remains Germany’s closest ally outside of Europe, adding that he will do everything he can to ensure that remains the case.

In his speech at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, Scholz said that maintaining this serious relationship is in the mutual interest of the United States and Germany and that close cooperation between the two was “indispensable for peace and security around the globe,” according to a WEF. English translation. He also said that the country’s partnership was key to economic development.

Scholz disclosed that he had “good first talks” with Trump, but noted that “at the same time, it is absolutely clear that President Trump and his government are keeping the world in suspense” regarding various policy areas.

“We are able and we will face it, without any excitement and indignation, but also without false cozy and saying what they want to hear,” said Scholz.

Von der Leyen of the European Commission also said that “we must strive for mutual benefits” when talking to the world’s second largest economy, China, with which the bloc has been at odds with trade and tariffs . Among other steps in its long-standing economic measures, the EU imposed duties on imported Chinese electric vehicles, while Beijing launched an anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy. China has also come under Trump’s trade threats.

“2025 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations of our union with China. I see it as an opportunity to engage and deepen the relationship with China and where possible watch to expand trade and investment ties. It is now to pursue a more balanced relationship with China,” Von der Leyen said.