The leaders met in the office of the Italian Prime Minister after everyone participated in the inaugural mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
American Vice President of JD Vance met on Sunday in Rome with the President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von Der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Gregia Meloni. Vance expressed the hope that there would be progress in commercial interviews between the EU and the United States. In addition, the EC chief expressed interest in talks on Ukraine or Defense, TASR writes, according to Reuters and AFP reports.
“Europe is an important ally of the United States … But we also have some disagreements, as it sometimes happens to friends, for example, on trade,” Vance said. “I hope it will be the beginning of long -term commercial negotiations and the trade benefits between Europe and the United States,” he stressed.
Von Der Leyen also highlighted the “very exceptional and close relationship” between the US and the European Union, AFP said.
The leaders met in the office of the Italian Prime Minister after everyone participated in the inaugural mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
The White House has introduced 25 % duties on the import of steel, aluminum and cars, as well as the basic 10 % CLO for almost all countries. In the case of unsuccessful negotiations, other “reciprocal” duties are being prepared, which represent a total of 20 percent for the EU, writes Reuters.
Von Der Leyen said they had exchanged documents in which different areas of the upcoming discussions were outlined. “We want to achieve a good agreement for both sides together,” she stressed. In addition to business affairs, EC chief was also interested in talks about Ukraine and investing in defense. Von Der Leyen, before the meeting, stressed that the coming week would be “key” for Ukraine.
“It is certainly important to move forward and move forward. I think it will be crucial next week,” she said before Monday calling US President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
