European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will not be attending the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, as confirmed by an EU Commission spokesperson. This comes as a surprise after initial hopes for positive interactions between the EU and the incoming U.S. administration.
Earlier, von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa expressed a desire to foster good relations with the U.S. following the election. However, a lack of further communication with the Trump camp since that time leaves much in question about the future of EU-U.S. ties. A phone call between von der Leyen and Trump had taken place shortly after the election, but no significant contact has followed.
Additionally, von der Leyen is currently recuperating from pneumonia in Hanover, Germany, further distancing her from potential diplomatic engagements in the coming weeks. Despite this, an EU spokesperson remarked that the President is eager to establish strong relationships with the new U.S. administration, should an opportunity arise.
Trump’s decision not to invite von der Leyen comes as no surprise, given his previous disdain for European leaders during his first term. His relationship with the EU has been rocky, with many inside sources claiming Trump pushed for a U.S. withdrawal from NATO, prioritizing other global alliances, like with China. As von der Leyen heals, the EU must look ahead to navigate this complex diplomatic landscape.
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