Overview

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that her first official trip will be to India to strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership.
• Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen highlighted the EU's openness to global trade and collaboration, including with nations in Asia, Africa, and South America.
• The EU has recently finalized trade deals with Mercosur and Mexico, and restarted long-stalled trade negotiations with Malaysia.
• Von der Leyen expressed the EU's readiness to work with China on balanced trade relationships, despite ongoing disputes over tariffs and trade practices.
• The EU's proactive approach comes as U.S. President Donald Trump signals protectionist trade policies, including potential tariffs on EU goods, raising concerns about transatlantic economic ties.