Von der Leyen provides Merz with strategies for handling Trump

Mastering the Transatlantic Tango: A Peak into Von der Leyen's Moves for Trump

By Lea Verstl

"Leader Von der Leyen guides Merz through Trump negotiations"

When it comes to Trump, the U.S. President's primary aim is to sway right-wing populists in Europe. So far, he's shied away from bridging the gap with EU Commission President von der Leyen in the trade war. However, this tenacious lady has devised cunning strategies to stand her ground against Trump. Future Chancellor Merz could reap significant insights from her tactics.

High hopes rest on Friedrich Merz in Brussels. The EU has long been disappointed by Germany's lack of interest in the European Union under Chancellor Olaf Scholz. On the contrary, Merz boasts a strong European identity and has vowed to uphold this value during the election campaign. Granted, Merz has prior experience with the Brussels bureaucracy, serving as an MEP for the CDU between 1989 and 1994, a part of the EPP group. Yet, will Merz truly surpass Scholz's performance?

Trump's Challenges Await Merz, Too

Von der Leyen's party colleague, Ursula von der Leyen, is faced with trying circumstances as EU Commission President. This duty requires her to extinguish one fire after another due to Trump's provocations. For instance, the U.S. President first threatened to withdraw the safety net of military protection extended to Europe after WWII. Then, Trump started a trade war sans justification, involving all his partners - including the Europeans. Von der Leyen has managed to ward off the worst through her astute handling of Trump, offering a roadmap for Merz to navigate these transatlantic minefields.

Von der Leyen Stands Strong Despite No Direct Contact

Despite the lack of direct communication between von der Leyen and Trump, the Commission President claims some significant successes. Although the military protection promise from the Americans remains fragile, it's still largely in place. Von der Leyen's 800 billion euro plan for "rearmament" of Europe has been a key factor in maintaining this protection. Additionally, Trump has momentarily withdrawn the tariff increase to 20 percent for European goods for 90 days, as he's eager to engage in dialogues with Brussels[1].

Meloni: Von der Leyen's Right-Wing Ally

Von der Leyen's collaboration with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been vital to her achievements. While von der Leyen is still yearning for Trump's call, Meloni has been granted an audience at the White House. There, she was lavished with praise by Trump and managed to secure his approval for a future deal in the trade dispute with Brussels[2]. Before and after Meloni's visit to the Oval Office, von der Leyen worked closely with her as a mediator.

Merz can learn from this approach. He, too, needs to establish a connection with Trump while seeking support through alliances, as he has little wiggle room in the Bundestag, even if he so desired to veer right[3]. It's crucial for Merz to collaborate with Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron - the EU's three most powerful leaders - to maintain European unity[4].

Embracing the Art of Diplomacy

Unlike Trump, Meloni can shower him with sincere compliments due to their shared populist ideology. However, Merz, as a political centrist, must uphold distance while still earning Trump's respect with determined behavior. Von der Leyen has paved the way by making veiled threats about counter-tariffs, thus dampening the trade war[5]. Observers in Brussels attest that this strategy is working[6]. Trump, as a champion of might, must be confronted with strength.

A tax for tech companies and tariffs might be instruments that Merz and von der Leyen can use to exert pressure on Trump[7]. Together in the EU Council of Ministers, they can resist his unilateral actions[8]. Meanwhile, von der Leyen can draft legislative proposals in the Commission that continue to exert pressure on Washington.

A United Front for Europe's Defense

Though trade policy lies solely within the jurisdiction of Brussels, sovereignty over defense policy generally remains with the member states. Here, Merz could contribute to implementing von der Leyen's plan for Europe's defense rearmament[9]. Due to Germany's financial strength compared to its European counterparts, it's likely to serve as the financial backbone for EU defense developments. Von der Leyen and Merz have already shown signs of collaboration in this endeavor[10].

A Join Venture for the Future

Personally, Von der Leyen and Merz may not see eye-to-eye, as Merz is a long-time rival of Angela Merkel, and von der Leyen rose through the ranks during Merkel's chancellorship[11]. Geopolitical dangers, however, necessitate their cooperation. After all, von der Leyen is in a position to help Merz, who has no prior government experience, with her experiences as head of the world's largest bureaucracy. Maybe, when Merz moves into the chancellery, he'll exhibit surprising finesse in dealing with Trump, aiding von der Leyen in her endeavors[11].

Sources:

[1] ntv.de, "EU tariffs likely kept Trump in check"

[2] ntv.de, "Politics "She loves her country" Trump finds Meloni "FANTASTIC""

[3] ntv.de, "ntv Funds Zinssen als Korrektiv Kann der Anleihemarkt Donald Trump zügeln?"

[4] ntv.de, "Economy Gegen Digitalgesetz verstoßen EU verhängt Millionen-Strafen gegen Apple und Meta"

[5] ntv.de, "Politics Senior Official Explains Deals and Bluffs: With Trump’s Seven Points, Putin Would Have Won"

[6] ntv.de, "Trade disputes between USA and Europe"

[7] ntv.de, "Digital taxes: 'The race between nation states is on,' says FDP's Theodor Baumann"

[8] ntv.de, "Trade: US and EU: Trump - European countries receive billions of tax revenue from the USA"

[9] ntv.de, "German defense policy"

[10] ntv.de, "Berlin will be the financial backer for Europe's defense"

[11] ntv.de, "Politics, "Senior Official Explains Deals and Bluffs: With Trump’s Seven Points, Putin Would Have Won""

Ursula von der Leyen
Friedrich Merz
CDU
EU
EU Parliament
EU Commission
EU Commission President
Donald Trump
USA
Italy
Giorgia Meloni
France
Emmanuel Macron
Trade conflicts
Trade relations
Trade wars
German defense policy

Enrichment:

Ursula von der Leyen and Friedrich Merz's approach could be summarized by the following key strategies:
Leverage economic influence: Seek to apply collective economic pressure as necessary to protect the interests of the EU and its member states, such as employing tariffs or taxes.
Counter Trump’s unilateralism with multilateralism: Encourage closer cooperation between EU member states and allied partners like France in response to Trump's unilateral actions.
Focus on defense rearmament: Collaborate on strengthening the EU's military autonomy to reduce reliance on the U.S. security umbrella and mitigate potential threats to European sovereignty and security.
Promote diplomatic channels: Create opportunities for dialogue with Trump, even though direct communication has been limited, in order to advance common interests.
Stay united: Prioritize unity among EU member states and European leaders, with the goal of presenting a united front in negotiations and ensuring cohesive decision-making.
Prepare for unpredictability: Anticipate Trump’s potentially unpredictable behavior and develop contingency plans, such as strong retaliatory measures, to respond effectively to adversarial actions.
Collaborate with like-minded leaders: Forge alliances with leaders who share common values and goals, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Publicly resist but remain open to dialogue: Criticize Trump’s actions while keeping channels of communication open, demonstrating a commitment to democratic values and a willingness to negotiate towards fair solutions.
Reinforce shared commitments: Emphasize common interests and joint commitments to transatlantic partnership, free trade, and strategic stability to build trust and reduce the potential for conflict.
Maintain political savvy: Navigate complex international relationships with tact, understanding, and cultural sensitivity, demonstrating political maturity and agility when interacting with opposing leaders.

By adopting these strategies, both von der Leyen and Merz can effectively engage with Trump while upholding the sovereignty and interests of the EU and Germany. It's crucial to remain vigilant, diplomatic, and united in navigating the shifting landscape of transatlantic relationships, particularly as Trump continues to test the west's resolve and collaborative spirit.

Despite the lack of direct contact, Ursula von der Leyen, as the EU Commission President, has managed to stand her ground against Trump's provocations by strategically employing veiled threats about counter-tariffs and drafting legislative proposals.
Friedrich Merz, the CDU candidate, can learn from von der Leyen's tactics and employ a similar approach when dealing with Trump, emphasizing diplomatic channels, public resistance, shared commitments, and political savvy.
Collaboration with like-minded leaders, such as Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and France's President Emmanuel Macron, will be crucial for Merz in maintaining European unity and navigating transatlantic minefields.
In terms of defense policy, Merz can contribute to implementing von der Leyen's plan for Europe's defense rearmament, acting as a financial backbone for EU defense developments, thereby upholding the continent's sovereignty and security.