EU’s von der Leyen says ‘West as we knew it no longer exists’
(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declared that the traditional concept of a unified "West" is no longer relevant, citing growing tensions with the United States. In an interview with Die Zeit published on Tuesday, she noted that recent U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump have shifted the EU’s perspective on its alliances.
“The West as we knew it no longer exists,” von der Leyen stated. She emphasized that global geopolitics have evolved, and the EU now maintains a broader range of international relationships, especially as trade tensions with the U.S. deepen.
Her remarks follow Trump’s imposition of a 20% tariff on all EU goods and a 25% levy on car imports, to which the EU responded with matching 25% tariffs on American products. Although Trump recently paused many of these tariffs for 90 days to allow time for negotiations, the dispute has strained the longstanding transatlantic relationship.
Von der Leyen noted a silver lining: increased global interest in trade with the EU. “Everyone wants closer ties with Europe – not just economically, but also to set shared rules and ensure predictability,” she explained.
When asked if her statements marked a break with the U.S., she insisted she still believes in a strong transatlantic bond. However, she pointed out that only 13% of global trade is with the U.S., while 87% is with other nations—highlighting the need for the EU to diversify its trade partnerships and deepen connections with countries that share its values.
As tensions persist, some European leaders are calling for a reassessment of ties with Washington. French President Emmanuel Macron recently urged European companies to stop investing in the U.S., asking why they should pour billions into a market that is actively imposing penalties on them.
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