Washington DC, United States: US President Joe Biden, on Friday, welcomed the leaders of the European Union to the White House. While welcoming the leaders, Biden assured that the United States would continue to provide tens of billions of dollars’ worth of aid to war-hit nations – Israel and Ukraine.
While emphasizing unity, President Biden welcomed Presidents of the European Council – Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen. Biden was quoted saying, “We stood together to support the great people of Ukraine, and we stood together to tackle economic challenges.”
He further anticipated that the leaders would now come together to support Israel following a surprise attack by the Palestine militant group- Hamas. He also hoped that support would be extended to establish standards in trade with China.
According to various reports, most of the priorities shared by Biden during the meeting with the EU were dependent on getting a budget through Congress, which looks like a tough task for now, as the US House has been speakerless for more than two weeks. This meetup between the world leaders was scheduled amid a time when the US itself is dealing with political chaos, which can destabilize an increasingly chaotic world.
Other issues discussed during the meeting
Along with addressing the efforts of Ukraine to repel Russia and Israel’s war against Hamas, other major topics covered by the leaders of the United States and European Union were economic competition with China, trade and tax issues, as well as climate crisis (change).
European Council President Michel’s message for Biden
It is worth highlighting that both the Presidents of the Council share a personal relationship with the US President and regard him (Biden) as “dear Joe.” A day before the meetup, President Michel highlighted that he positively expects President Biden to fulfill his promise to help Ukraine – both financially and militarily.
Michel stated, “I’m really confident and also, I’m grateful for Joe Biden’s personal leadership. He will do everything to ensure this support will be confirmed.
Ties between US and EU
As the world is dealing with the Ukraine-Russia war and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, both the EU and the US show pride in being dedicated to democratic principles. In a recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, both have expressed support for Israel – as a reflection of shared democratic values.
The US and EU have also been focusing on the importance of following international law in military operations.
Although the foreign policy agreement between the both can change with the change in elections and competing interests at home can overshadow diplomacy, reported news agency AP.
It is to be noted that the US and EU still have different opinions on some major topics, including trade, economic matters and shifting to renewable energy sources. According to the reports, both have yet to ink a pact on environmentally sustainable steel and aluminum production. The deal was linked to avoid the tariffs imposed during the presidency of former president Donald Trump.
In this regard, Federico Steinberg, a visiting fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, outlined that Biden’s bid to move away from fossil fuels has left the Union “a little bit uncomfortable.”
Further, Steinberg highlighted that the EU will welcome the efforts of the United States to promote the green transition. He also mentioned that some of the ideas and strategies of the Biden administration, which are protectionist in nature, discriminate against trade partners and undermine the system of the World Trade Organization (WTO), would be revived by the Union.
US and EU concerns shifted to war and solidarity
Presently, the focus and concern of the United States and European Union has shifted towards war and solidarity in their words and policy choices. In this regard, Von der Leyen stated that the “core” of the discussion between the leaders of the EU and the US will be about Ukraine and Israel,
While presenting remarks at the conservation Hudson Institute, Leyen said, “The winds are not just blowing today — today they are gale force.” She added, “Our democracies are under sustained and systemic attack by those who abhor freedom.”
Furthermore, she highlighted the sanctions on Russia amid its war with Ukraine. She mentioned that the countries in the European Union have provided financial aid of around US$ 90 billion to Ukraine, including US$ 27 billion in military aid.
Leyen openly asked the administration if the United States’ commitment could waver after having four rounds of aid to Ukraine that sum up to US$ 113 billion. “Now is the time to double down,” von der Leyen said Thursday.