Overview

• U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Rome to formally begin long-term trade negotiations.
• The meeting follows a 90-day suspension of U.S. tariffs, including a 25% levy on steel, aluminum, and cars, and a potential 20% reciprocal tariff on EU goods if talks fail by July.
• Von der Leyen emphasized the $1.5 trillion annual EU-U.S. trade relationship and shared confidence in finding a mutually beneficial resolution.
• Meloni described the meeting as a 'new beginning' for transatlantic relations, highlighting the importance of trade ties for Western unity and economic strength.
• Both sides exchanged detailed discussion papers outlining key negotiation areas, with leaders committed to achieving a balanced agreement before the July deadline.