Combative American Vice-President JD Vance was all smiles at this time as he met with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – however he nonetheless could not assist himself quipping that America has “some disagreements” with the EU. The 40-year-old best-selling writer was greeted by Italy’s PM who was internet hosting trilateral talks between the US, EU and Italy in Rome at this time.
During a photograph name Mr Vance sat reverse Ms von der Leyen who stared again at him as he famous firstly of commerce negotiations that: “I’ve said repeatedly that I think Europe is an important ally of the United States, the individual countries within Europe are important allies of the United States, but of course we have some disagreements as friends sometimes do on issues like trade.”
Mr Vance continued: “Of course we also have agreements and many things we can work on together and I’m looking forward to this conversation… I hope this will be the beginning of some long-term trade negotiation and some long-term trade advantages for both Europe and the United States.”
A stoney-faced Ms von der Leyen replied: “It’s good to see you again, we’ve met in Paris and now here in Rome… we have the largest trade relationship in the world, with more than 1.5 trillion dollars per year, very much intertwined, so it is important now we have exchanged papers.”
Ms von der Leyen added that the “devil would be in the detail” as soon as consultants had “deep-dived” into the commerce negotiations.
Moving on from the commerce talks, the EU supremo added: “I wish to additionally elevate the subject of Ukraine, what unites us is that we wish a simply and lasting peace, and I understand how a lot you’re engaged in ending this battle and I thanks for that. I believe the subsequent week shall be essential.
“Finally… I do know the European member states must step up the funding in defence, this is the reason now we have enabled using as much as €800 billion within the subsequent 4 years for defence funding.”
The huge sum equals approximately £672bn. Both JD Vance and his boss President Trump have called for greater investment from European allies in defence in NATO, with Mr Vance previously stating that partners in Europe needed to shoulder a greater share of the “burden” of supporting the military alliance.
Ms von der Leyen timely mention of Ukraine comes as President Trump said this weekend he would be calling both Russia’s President Putin and Ukraine’s President Zelensky to end the “massacre” of the three-year conflict on Monday.
JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with President Zelensky in Rome today. The politicians had all been in the Eternal City to visit the Vatican for the inaugural mass of the new Pope Leo XIV, the Holy See’s first American Pontiff.
Writing about his meeting with the American team on X, President Zelensky said: “Good assembly with JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome.
“During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers. I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible.
“We have additionally touched upon the necessity for sanctions towards Russia, bilateral commerce, defence cooperation, battlefield scenario and upcoming prisoners alternate. Pressure is required towards Russia till they’re wanting to cease the battle. And, after all, we talked about our joint steps to realize a simply and sturdy peace.
“Thank you to all American people for the support and leadership in saving lives.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2056863/eus-672bn-promise-jd-vance