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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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that the European Union is “open for business” and keen to establish global partnerships, at a time when the world is preparing for the trade protectionism of new US President Donald Trump.
“Europe will seek cooperation, not only with old friends, but with any country with which we share interests,” von der Leyen said during her official speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. She suggested that when it comes to challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence, countries must work together even against the backdrop of “harsh competition.”
“Our message to the world is simple: if there are mutual benefits on the horizon, we are ready to do business with you. If you want to upgrade your clean technology industries, if you want to develop your digital infrastructure, Europe is open for business,” said von der Line.
The European Commission President also noted that she has noticed a growing interest from around the world to engage more with Europe, pointing to the partnerships the bloc has concluded with Switzerland, Mexico and the Mercosur trade bloc in South America.
Von der Leyen said that Europe looks forward to strengthening cooperation with any country open to cooperation, including partners such as the United States, noting the close integration between the economies of the United States and the European Union. For example, she pointed out that many American workers work for European companies, and she also pointed to the supply chains and trade between the two countries.
“There is a lot at stake for both sides,” she said. He added, “Our first priority will be to participate early, discuss common interests, and prepare for negotiation. We will be realistic, but we will always stand by our principles, protect our interests, and preserve our values, because this is the European way.”
Questions have increased about the future of the European Union's trade relationship with its historic ally, Washington, after Trump threatened to impose customs duties on goods coming from the European Union. These measures could significantly impact 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 president also said that “we must seek mutual benefit” when speaking with the world's second-largest economy, China, with which the bloc has previously been at loggerheads over trade and tariffs. Among other steps in long-standing reciprocal economic measures, the EU has imposed duties on imported Chinese electric cars, while Beijing has launched an anti-dumping investigation into brandy from the EU. 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 it as an opportunity to engage and deepen relations with China and, where possible, on the eve of expanding trade and investment relations. It is time to pursue a more balanced relationship with China,” said von der Leyen.
