U.S. Vice President JD Vance held key discussions in Rome on Sunday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, expressing optimism that the talks could mark a new chapter in transatlantic trade relations.
The meeting, which took place following the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve trade tensions between the European Union and the United States.
“Europe is an important ally of the United States,” Vance said, acknowledging longstanding economic ties but also pointing out areas of contention.
“Of course, we have some disagreements, as friends sometimes do — particularly around trade. I think we’ll have a great conversation, and hopefully this will be the beginning of long-term negotiations that bring mutual benefits for both sides of the Atlantic.”
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Von der Leyen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the strength of the EU-U.S. trade partnership, which she noted is valued at over $1.5 trillion annually — the largest bilateral trade relationship in the world.
“We both want a good deal that delivers for people and business on both sides,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Our teams are working around the clock to find solutions. We’re confident we’ll get there.”
Before the talks, von der Leyen remarked that technical experts from both sides were working intensively to resolve key sticking points. “Everyone knows the devil is in the detail,” she noted. “But what unites us is the shared goal — a fair and comprehensive agreement that benefits both Europe and the United States.”
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The meeting also covered broader geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine and defense cooperation — two critical areas where EU-U.S. alignment remains vital. Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of continued unity in supporting Ukraine and ensuring transatlantic security.
Despite close coordination on many fronts, von der Leyen has yet to hold a formal bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since he returned to office in January. Their only brief interaction occurred at the funeral of Pope Francis earlier this year.
Nonetheless, Sunday’s meeting with Vice President Vance may signal renewed momentum in diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation between Washington and Brussels.
As both sides gear up for detailed negotiations, the hope is that this high-level dialogue in Rome will lay the groundwork for a revitalized transatlantic trade framework — one that not only smooths over existing tensions but also sets the stage for deeper economic integration in the years to come.
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