WASHINGTON: In the face of a Congress plagued by dysfunction, President Joe Biden faces the formidable task of assuring European Union leaders today (Friday) that the United States remains committed to delivering substantial aid to both Ukraine and Israel on Friday.
This critical meeting, held in the Oval Office, occurs at a time when domestic political turmoil threatens to further destabilize an already tumultuous world. The success of many of President Biden’s shared goals with the EU hinges on navigating the congressional budget process—a formidable challenge, given the lack of an elected House Speaker and potential showdowns with Republican lawmakers regarding aid for Ukraine, which could culminate in a federal government shutdown in November.
While addressing Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russia and the repercussions of Hamas’s recent attack on Israel are top priorities, U.S. and EU leaders are also grappling with critical global issues such as climate change, economic competition with China, and trade and tax matters.
Just one day before their meeting, European Council President Charles Michel expressed his optimism regarding President Biden’s ability to fulfil his promises to support Ukraine both militarily and financially. I’m really confident, and also I’m grateful for Joe Biden’s personal leadership, Michel stated. He will do everything to ensure this support will be confirmed.
President Biden has fostered a close personal relationship with leaders like Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who affectionately refers to him as “dear Joe.”
Both the European Union and the United States take pride in their commitment to democratic principles, which serve as a unifying force as they navigate ongoing conflicts, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict. They emphasize their support for Israel as a reflection of shared democratic values and underscore the importance of adhering to international law in military operations.
However, the reality of democratic nations is that foreign policy agreements can be subject to change with shifting political landscapes, and domestic interests can sometimes overshadow diplomatic goals. While both partners share common ground, they still face differences that need to be resolved, particularly in the realms of trade, economic policies, and the transition to renewable energy sources. Additionally, the U.S. and EU are working toward finalizing an agreement on environmentally sustainable steel and aluminium production to avoid the tariffs imposed during the previous administration under Donald Trump.
President Biden’s mission in this meeting is not only to address immediate crises but to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to its allies and its role as a global leader, despite the challenges posed by a divided Congress. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the future of U.S.-EU relations and the ability of both parties to address pressing global issues collaboratively.
