Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Hours before a European ministerial meeting in Brussels on Monday to discuss the future of trade relations with the United States and China, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her deep concern about the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2 and the harm they cause to all countries, both directly and indirectly, including the world's poorest countries. This came during a phone call between von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday. A European statement issued in Brussels detailed the conversation, stating: “Recognizing that these tariffs represent a major turning point for the United States, the Commission President reiterated the European Union’s commitment to engaging in negotiations with the United States, making clear the EU’s readiness to defend its interests through proportionate countermeasures if necessary. At the same time, she emphasized her determination to work with partners in responding to this new reality of the global economy, recognizing that each trading partner will act according to its own priorities. President von der Leyen also reiterated the EU’s strong commitment to working closely with the United Kingdom on security and defense, as well as to providing joint and sustained support for Ukraine. She expressed her concern about Russia’s obstruction of peace efforts. The President discussed with the British Prime Minister preparations for the upcoming EU-UK summit on May 19, which will provide an important opportunity to strengthen EU-UK cooperation in key areas, including security, defense, trade, and the economy. The President confirmed that she will meet Prime Minister Starmer in London on April 24, on the occasion of the International Summit on the Future of Energy Security at Lancaster House.
The Foreign Affairs Council on Trade is convening in Brussels on Monday, where ministers will exchange views on current trade relations with the United States and provide guidance for future work. European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčović will also brief ministers on the current state of trade relations between the European Union and China, following his visit to the country.

EU-US Trade
According to European institutions, transatlantic relations are a key lifeline for the global economy. Together, the European Union and the United States account for nearly 30% of global trade in goods and services and 43% of global GDP (in US dollars). The EU and the United States enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world.
2023 was another record year, with bilateral trade in goods and services reaching €1.6 trillion. This exceeds the GDP of Spain. Goods and services worth more than €4.4 billion cross the Atlantic every day. The European Union achieved a trade surplus with the United States of €48 billion in 2023, taking into account both goods and services.
Investment
Reciprocal investment between the European Union and the United States is the largest in the world and a key driver of transatlantic relations. In 2022, mutual equity foreign direct investment exceeded €5.3 trillion, more than the combined economies of France and Italy. Nearly a third of EU foreign direct investment is either in or from the United States.