Von der Leyen seeks frequent contact with Merz during her United States journey

In a forthcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will collaborate closely with German Counselor Friedrich Merz before heading to Washington. In a recent interview with the "Berlin Playbook" podcast, von der Leyen expressed, "We frequently chat on the phone, and I'll have a productive conversation with him before his US journey."

According to von der Leyen, Trump positions himself as a formidable negotiator, desiring to hammer out European tariffs with her jointly. To manage dealings with the US Commander-in-Chief, she advises maintaining a cool head, stating, "You must regard him very seriously and pay meticulous attention to what he has to say, but not take every word too literally."

For von der Leyen, the key to resolving the trade dispute with the US is unity among EU member states, asserting, "What's crucial is that we speak with one voice." This unified front ensures that all parties know the EU retains control over trade negotiations and serves to deter any potential transatlantic tensions.

Insights

The European Union's (EU) approach to trade tariff negotiations with the US has been marked by strong unity and measured escalation.

Unity and Collective Response: The EU has adopted a policy of solidarity, allowing members to act robustly against any perceived U.S. aggression. They have vowed to impose reciprocal tariffs on American goods should negotiations fall through.
Retaliatory Measures: The EU has prepared tariffs on various US products, worth €95 billion, as a potential response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum. The bloc has already suspended retaliatory tariffs on US goods until July 15.
Negotiation and De-escalation: The EU is open to dialogue, pledging to transition from confrontation to negotiation. Recent high-level conversations have led to promises to expedite trade talks.
Proposal of Zero Tariffs: The EU has proposed eliminating tariffs on all industrial goods, as well as expanding purchases of specific US products like energy, AI, and agricultural goods.
Trade Diversion Monitoring: The EU has instituted a surveillance tool to watch trade shifts prompted by US tariffs, allowing a swift response to any deviations from the norm.

German leaders, such as Friedrich Merz, play a crucial role in shaping the EU's trade policy due to Germany's position as the EU's largest economy. Merz, along with other policymakers, advocates for free and open markets but supports the EU's unified response to perceived US tariff inequities. This collaboration ensures that Germany's economic interests align with the broader EU strategy while pushing for diplomatic solutions rather than heightening tensions.

In the upcoming trade negotiations with the US, von der Leyen emphasizes the importance of maintaining a unified EU position, stating, "What's crucial is that we speak with one voice."
As the EU prepares for talks concerning policy-and-legislation, such as tariffs, on crucial issues like trade, German leaders like Friedrich Merz and other policymakers will work closely with von der Leyen to shape the EU's approach, ensuring it aligns with general-news and politics that promote free and open markets while fostering diplomatic solutions.