Since Donald Trump assumed office, Ursula von der Leyen has sought alternative strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of American geopolitics, with a particular focus on strengthening ties with China and India. The European Union must adapt to financial constraints, resource shortages, and emerging geopolitical uncertainties. However, these strategic shifts pose significant risks to the stability of transatlantic relations, potentially reshaping the EU’s position within the global order.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, widely regarded as one of the EU’s most vocal critics of China, reaffirmed the bloc’s balanced approach toward Beijing in a meeting with EU diplomats in Brussels. “We will keep de-risking our economic relationship – as we have been doing in recent years. But there is also room to engage constructively with China – and find solutions in our mutual interest,” von der Leyen said in a speech before the EU’s diplomatic corps in Brussels.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appears determined to position the EU’s green and digital transition as a strategic counterweight to the United States’ continued reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Emphasizing Europe’s commitment to global cooperation, she stated, “Our message to the world is simple: if there is mutual benefit, we are ready to work with you.” She further highlighted the EU’s openness to economic partnerships, adding, “If you want to renew your cleantech industry, improve your digital infrastructure – Europe is open for business.” This approach reflects the EU’s ambition to lead in sustainable innovation while fostering international collaboration in the digital and clean energy sectors.
The European Commission, which is responsible for managing the trade policy of the 27-member EU, has vowed to defend its interests if Trump carries out his threats.
However, the European Commission president also stressed that the EU still has significant differences with China, saying it will be an “intense” year for “one of the most complex and important relationships in the world.”
Some critics argue that von der Leyen’s policy shift is constrained by Europe’s deep reliance on the United States for security and defense, leaving the EU with limited strategic alternatives. As one EU diplomat put it, “Europe really has no choice. If the choice is not to surrender Europe to China, the EU is trapped. The only thing they can do now is to make a short-term deal with Trump, work with other middle powers, and engage with the global South in the medium and long term.” This perspective underscores the geopolitical dilemma facing the EU as it seeks to balance transatlantic ties with an increasingly multipolar world.
