Von der Leyen to Meet Trump in Scotland for High-Stakes EU-US Trade Talks

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Scotland this Sunday, as both sides seek to navigate the uncertain future of transatlantic trade relations. The meeting follows a phone call von der Leyen described as “good,” signaling cautious optimism ahead of what could be a pivotal moment for EU-U.S. economic ties.

“Following a good call with President Trump, we have agreed to meet in Scotland on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations, and how we can keep them strong,” von der Leyen wrote in a post on X.

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Tensions between Brussels and Washington have been simmering in recent weeks after negotiations on a baseline 10 percent tariff deal nearly collapsed. While both sides were reportedly close to an agreement, Trump unexpectedly threatened to impose steep 30 percent tariffs, throwing talks into uncertainty and pushing back a key deadline from July 9 to August 1.

Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House for his private trip to the UK, Trump acknowledged the fragile state of the talks. “I would say that we have a 50-50 chance, maybe less than that, but a 50-50 chance of making a deal with the EU,” he said.

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The upcoming meeting is expected to touch on core issues surrounding trade imbalances, tariffs, and future cooperation between two of the world’s largest economies. Trump, who is known for his hardline stance on trade, is also scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit.

With the clock ticking toward the new tariff deadline, Sunday’s talks could prove decisive. Both leaders will need to navigate political pressure at home while attempting to reach common ground that preserves the stability of transatlantic trade—one of the world’s most important economic partnerships.

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