As Trump takes office, EU says it is ready to do business with the world

The European Union is “open for business” and interested in global partnerships, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, as the world braces for trade protectionism from newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump.

“Europe will seek cooperation, not only with like-minded 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. He suggested that when it comes to challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence, countries must work together even in a context of “tough competition.”

“Our message to the world is simple: if there are mutual benefits in sight, we are ready to collaborate with you. If you want to improve your clean technology industries, if you want to improve your digital infrastructure, Europe is open for business,” Von said der Leyen.

The head of the European Commission also noted that she saw growing interest around the world in engaging more with Europe, pointing to the partnerships the bloc has established with Switzerland, Mexico and the South American trading bloc Mercosur.

Europe seeks to boost cooperation with any country open to collaboration, including partners like the United States, Von der Leyen said, highlighting the close integration of the US and EU economies. For example, he noted that many American workers are employed by European companies and also pointed to mutual supply chains and trade between the two countries.

“There is a lot at stake for both sides,” he said. “Our first priority will be to engage early, discuss the common interest and be ready to negotiate. We will be pragmatic, but we will always defend our principles, protect our interests and defend our values ​​because that is the European way.”

Questions have been raised about the future of the European Union’s trade relationship with its historic ally Washington, after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on EU products. The measures could significantly impact the bloc’s economies.

“Although some in Europe may not like this new reality, we are ready to face it,” von der Leyen said.

The European Commission chief also said “we must strive for mutual benefits” when talking to the world’s second-largest economy, China, with whom the bloc has previously been at odds over trade and tariff issues. Among other measures in its long-standing economic measures, the EU has 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 it as an opportunity to establish and deepen the relationship with China and, where possible, even expand trade and investment ties. It is time to seek a more balanced relationship with China,” Von der Leyen said.