Overview

• Von der Leyen emphasized common interests with Trump, including energy and trade, during a recent phone call.
• The EU currently sources 48% of its LNG imports from the United States, compared to 16% from Russia.
• Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of at least 10% on imports, targeting countries with significant trade deficits with the U.S.
• While the European Commission proposes increasing LNG imports from the U.S., it lacks the authority to dictate purchases by European companies.
• The EU's move is seen as a political gesture to prevent tariffs, reminiscent of past efforts to appease Trump's trade policies.