Overview

• U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to hold formal talks after a brief exchange at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome.
• This marks the first direct engagement between the two leaders since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025.
• The U.S. imposed steep tariffs on EU exports in March and April, partially halving some rates until July 8 to allow for a 90-day negotiation period.
• The EU has suspended its own retaliatory tariffs and proposed a zero-duty agreement on industrial goods, though U.S. interest in the offer remains limited.
• The date and agenda for the formal meeting remain unclear, with significant work needed to avert further escalation in the trade dispute.