Von der Leyen to Meet Trump Sunday as EU-U.S. Trade Talks Reach Crucial Stage
July 25, 2025 | By USA NEWS TODAY
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump this Sunday in Scotland to advance discussions on a potential transatlantic trade deal. The meeting follows what von der Leyen described as a “good call” with Trump, sharing on X that they aim to “discuss transatlantic trade relations, and how we can keep them strong.”
The meeting comes at a critical time. Just three weeks ago, both sides were close to finalizing a trade agreement that included a 10% baseline tariff. However, Trump abruptly shifted course, threatening 30% tariffs instead. Although those tariffs were originally slated to take effect on July 9, the deadline was postponed to August 1.
In remarks before departing for the U.K., Trump told reporters the likelihood of striking a deal with the EU stands at “50-50, maybe less.” Despite the uncertainty, EU officials say they are anticipating a revised U.S. offer proposing a 15% baseline tariff ahead of the new deadline.
“Everyone is quite tense,” one EU diplomat told POLITICO, reflecting the high stakes surrounding the ongoing negotiations.
Trump has maintained a firm stance, insisting that any deal must include the EU reducing its current tariffs, which he claims stand at 30%. He emphasized that the EU must “buy down their tariffs” in exchange for continued access to U.S. markets.
Should the talks fall through, the EU is preparing to retaliate with tariffs on approximately €93 billion worth of U.S. goods — a measure already approved by EU member states. In 2024, the U.S. exported around $370 billion in goods to the EU, much of which could be impacted by such countermeasures.
Still, Trump remained cautiously optimistic, pointing to the recent breakthrough in talks with Japan. “I would have said we had a 25% chance with Japan. And they kept coming back — and we made a deal,” he said.
The Sunday meeting in Scotland — which also aligns with Trump’s visit to Prime Minister Keir Starmer — could mark a decisive moment in defining the next chapter of U.S.-EU trade relations.
Reporting contributed by Doug Palmer in Washington and Koen Verhelst & Jakob Weizman in Brussels.
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