DAVOS, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 21: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a session during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland on January 21, 2025. (Photo by Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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The European Union is “open for business” and keen on global partnerships, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, as the world braces for the trade protectionism of recently inaugurated US President Donald Trump.
“Europe will seek cooperation, not only with like-minded friends of many years, but with any country with which we share interests,” Von der Leyen said during her official address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. She suggested that when it comes to challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, countries need to work together even amid “fierce competition”.
“Our message to the world is simple: if there are mutual benefits in sight, we are ready to work with you. If you want to advance your clean technology industries, if you want to advance your digital infrastructure, Europe is open for business,” said Von der Leyen .
The head of the European Commission also noted that she has seen growing interest from around the world in greater cooperation with Europe, pointing to partnerships the bloc has forged with Switzerland, Mexico and the South American trade bloc Mercosur.
Europe seeks to encourage cooperation with all countries open to cooperation, including partners like the US, Von der Leyen said, emphasizing the close integration of the US and EU economies. For example, she pointed out that many American workers are employed in European companies, and she also pointed out the mutual supply chains and trade between the two countries.
“There’s a lot at stake for both sides,” she said. “Our first priority will be to get involved early, talk about the common interest and be ready for negotiations. We will be pragmatic, but we will always stand by our principles, we will protect our interests and support our values because this is the European way.”
Questions have been raised about the future of the European Union’s trade relationship with historic ally Washington, after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on EU goods. The measures could significantly affect the bloc’s economies.
“Although some in Europe may not like this new reality, we are ready to deal with it,” von der Leyen said.
The European Commission chief also says “we should aim for mutual benefit” when talking to the world’s second-largest economy, China, with which the bloc has previously clashed over trade and tariffs. Among other steps in their long-standing “love for love” economic measures, the EU imposed tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles, while Beijing launched an anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy. China has also been on the receiving end of Trump’s trade threats.
“2025 marks 50 years of our union’s diplomatic relations with China. I see this as an opportunity to engage and deepen relations with China and, where possible, to expand trade and investment ties. It is time to achieve a more balanced relationship with China,” she said. is Von der Leyen.
