BRUSSELS: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the European Union’s close alliance with the United States on Sunday, stating that while differences exist between the two powers, their common interests remain paramount.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, von der Leyen dismissed the need to redefine the EU’s relationship with Washington, contrasting it with the bloc’s evolving approach to Beijing.
“The United States, they have been, for more than 80 years, our closest ally. In the face of adversity, the US and Europe have always been stronger together,” she said.
She acknowledged ongoing policy disagreements but stressed that these do not undermine the fundamental alliance between the EU and the US.
“Yes, there are differences; we might have different views on some topics. But if you look at the common interests that we have, they always outweigh our differences,” she stated.
Von der Leyen’s comments come amid concerns over former US President Donald Trump’s stance on NATO and transatlantic security.
Trump has repeatedly criticised European defence spending and suggested the US could reduce its commitments to the alliance. His alignment with Russia on Ukraine has also unsettled European leaders.
Addressing these challenges, von der Leyen underscored the EU’s responsibility to bolster its own security. “We are allies, but this means that all allies have to take their responsibilities,” she said.
She pointed to the recent agreement at the extraordinary EU summit on 6 March, where all EU leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, unanimously approved the Rearm Europe defence initiative, which aims to mobilise €800 billion to strengthen European defence capabilities.
Von der Leyen further stated that in the coming weeks, she would convene the first-ever meeting of EU commissioners dedicated to external and internal security.
The meeting will address key strategic areas, including cybersecurity, trade, foreign interference, energy, and defence research.
On Ukraine, von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Kyiv, stating that Europe must ensure Ukraine “can keep on fighting till we’ve reached a just and lasting peace.”
The EU has played a critical role in providing military and financial aid to Ukraine since the start of the war in 2022.
Despite the transatlantic tensions, von der Leyen remains optimistic about the EU-US relationship.
“We will have our differences. We have to sort them out, but we will have to find common avenues,” she said.
Von der Leyen has yet to meet US President Trump since his election victory in November 2024.
However, the two leaders spoke by phone shortly after the election, discussing Ukraine and other pressing issues.
