Tariffs: EU optimistic after Trump–von der Leyen call

Brussels, May 26 (LaPresse) – Optimism is returning to Brussels. The Sunday evening phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has revived hopes that the escalation announced by the tycoon, with the decision to impose 50% tariffs on all imports from the European Union, was only a move to reach an agreement. The EU Executive reminds that "we are talking about the largest and closest trading relationship in the world. These negotiations are complex and are taking time, but now, with this call, there is also a new impetus." The "positive" news is that there is now "commitment at the presidential level," and it is the first time the two leaders have had a one-on-one phone exchange, in addition to a brief conversation on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral and a call on Ukraine together with Giorgia Meloni and other European leaders on May 19. Speaking to the press, President Trump confirmed that the United States will delay the implementation of the 50% tariff on EU goods from June 1 to July 9 to allow time for negotiations, stating that he "wants to start serious negotiations." According to the White House occupant, von der Leyen committed to "meet quickly and see if we can find a solution."