European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that “the West as we knew it no longer exists,” citing global change that has ensued since Donald Trump’s presidency in the US. Speaking in a recent interview with German newspaper Die Zeit, von der Leyen cited changes in global relations and economic alliances that have necessitated Europe to reassess international relationships.
In the face of worsening transatlantic relations and Washington’s tariff imposition on European products derided by Brussels as “neither credible nor justified,” von der Leyen has intensified diplomatic engagement, meeting with leaders of nations including Canada, New Zealand, the UAE, China, and Singapore. Her dialogue with Chinese Premier Li Qiang has given hopes for a potential thawing in EU-China relations.
She highlighted the significance of Europe’s reputation for reliability and stability, stating that nations are looking for closer economic integration not only for trade, but for values and governance. “The world is getting more geopolitical,” she added, stating that “Europe’s reliability is once again being seen as a strength.”
Although a dyed-in-the-wool Atlanticist, von der Leyen recognized the complexity in the US-EU relationship in the post-Trump era as “complicated” instead of using the terms friend or enemy for America. By not directly attacking Trump, she referred to Europe’s unique model one based on peace, the rule of law, and social justice as one that contrasts with what she hinted was a more disorderly and belligerent American one.
Focusing on European security, von der Leyen cautioned against the relentless imperial aspirations of Russian President Vladimir Putin, insisting that Europe needs to stay awake. Her comments also occur as the EU expresses exasperation with America over the stalled trade talks, urging greater American involvement to fix outstanding differences.