United States Vice President JD Vance met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic ties despite ongoing tensions over trade.
The high-level meeting, which took place after all three leaders attended the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, marked the first formal engagement between the US and the European Union since President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on EU goods earlier this year.
Speaking at the start of the meeting, Vance acknowledged differences in trade policy but underlined the enduring alliance between the US and Europe.
“I’ve said repeatedly that I think Europe is an important ally of the United States,” he stated. “Of course we have some disagreements, as friends sometimes do, on issues like trade. But we also have many agreements and many areas we can work on together.”
Vance expressed optimism that the discussions could serve as a foundation for long-term trade talks. “Hopefully this will be the beginning of some long-term trade negotiations and advantages between both Europe and the United States,” he added.
Von der Leyen, seated alongside Vance and Meloni during the meeting, echoed the vice president’s sentiments, describing the US-EU relationship as “very special and close.” While acknowledging the complexity of negotiations, she remarked, “What unites us is that, at the end, we want to have a good deal for both sides.”
Trade relations between the US and EU have grown strained since President Trump imposed a 20% tariff on most EU goods in April, along with additional duties targeting multiple countries. While the tariff has been temporarily frozen until July, tensions remain as both sides prepare for further negotiations.
Prime Minister Meloni, who has positioned herself as a key interlocutor between Washington and Brussels, welcomed the talks as a potential “new beginning.”
“We know how important relations between the EU and the US are—for a strong West, for our civilisation, and for our economic cooperation,” she said.
The meeting also touched on shared geopolitical concerns, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also in attendance, signaling Washington’s broader diplomatic commitment to the discussions.
As negotiations loom, leaders on both sides have indicated a willingness to find common ground in the interest of reinforcing Western unity.
