European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is working to arrange a meeting with President Trump in Florida before his inauguration, according to two individuals familiar with the discussions.
Talks between European Union and Trump aides have taken place, but scheduling a visit to Trump’s Florida estate before the January 20 deadline remains uncertain, the sources said. Complicating matters further, von der Leyen is recovering from severe pneumonia in Germany and has yet to return to Brussels after the holidays.
EU officials are reportedly struggling to establish consistent communication with senior members of Trump’s incoming administration. Trump has frequently criticized Europe, accusing it of unfair treatment toward the United States and vowing to impose tariffs and demand higher defense spending.
Despite these tensions, von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa released identical statements Thursday expressing a commitment to a strong transatlantic relationship. “We look forward to a positive engagement with the incoming US Administration, based on our common values and shared interests,” the statements read. “In a rough world, Europe and the US are stronger together.”
Von der Leyen had cultivated a close relationship with Biden, frequently visiting the White House to coordinate on issues like Ukraine and China. European officials now worry that Trump may reduce U.S. aid to Ukraine and pursue closer ties with Russia. While the EU has signaled its willingness to cooperate with Trump on China policy, leaders have warned that collaboration hinges on avoiding trade conflicts, such as tariffs targeting the EU.
Other European leaders have had greater success connecting with Trump. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, and the president-elect has also met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a key ally. Trump even traveled to Paris to attend the Notre Dame cathedral reopening, where he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
