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

The European Union is “open for business” and interested in global partnerships, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, as the world braces for the trade protectionism of newly elected US President Donald Trump.

“Europe will seek to cooperate not only with long-time like-minded friends, but also with any country with which we share interests,” von der Leyen said during her official speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. She suggested that when it comes to issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence, countries should work together even amid “fierce competition”.

“Our message to the world is simple: if we see mutual benefit, we are ready to cooperate with you. If you want to modernize your clean technology industries, if you want to increase your digital infrastructure, Europe is open for business,” von der Leyen said.

The head of the European Commission also noted that she has seen growing interest from around the world in greater engagement with Europe, pointing to partnerships the bloc has forged with Switzerland, Mexico and the South American trade bloc MERCOSUR.

Europe seeks to expand cooperation with any country open to cooperation, including partners such as the United States, von der Leyen said, noting the close integration of the US and EU economies. For example, she noted that many American workers work for European companies, and pointed to mutual supply chains and trade between the two countries.

“There’s a lot at stake for both sides,” she said. “Our main priority will be early engagement, discussion of common interests and readiness for negotiations. We will be pragmatic, but we will always stick to our principles, we will defend our interests and defend our values, because this is the European way.”

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

“Even though some people in Europe may not like this new reality, we are ready to fight it,” von der Leyen said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, meanwhile, said the US remained Germany’s closest ally outside of Europe, adding that he would do everything possible to keep it that way.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, Scholz said it would be in the mutual interest of the US and Germany to maintain this relationship and that close cooperation between the two is “indispensable for peace and security around the world,” according to the WEF. English translation. He also called the country’s partnership the key to economic development.

Scholz said he had a “good first conversation” with Trump, but noted that “at the same time, it’s absolutely clear that President Trump and his administration will keep the world on edge” regarding various policy areas.

“We can and will fight this without any excitement or outrage, but also without false appeasement and telling them what they want to hear,” Scholz said.

The European Commission’s von der Leyen also said “we must strive for mutual benefit” in talks with the world’s second-largest economy, China, with which the bloc has previously had conflicts over trade and tariffs. Among other moves in their long-standing economic crackdown, the EU slapped tariffs on imported Chinese electric cars, while Beijing launched an anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy. China has also found itself on the receiving end of Trump’s trade threats.

“2025 marks the 50th anniversary of our union’s diplomatic relations with China. I see this as an opportunity to build and deepen relations with China and, where possible, ahead of expanding trade and investment ties. It is time to pursue a more balanced relationship with China. ” – said von der Leyen.