European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took multiple swipes at Donald Trump in a speech that laid bare the increasing antagonism across the Atlantic.
The European Union and the entire world will suffer as a result of the “unpredictable tariff policy of the U.S. administration,” whose levies are “the highest in a century,” she told the European People’s Party congress in Valencia, Spain, on Tuesday.
“Millions of citizens will face higher grocery bills, medicines will cost more, transportation will cost more, inflation will go up,” she said.
Trump’s tariffs — 10 percent on most countries, 145 percent on China and 25 percent on steel, aluminum and cars — roiled global markets when he announced them at the start of the month. The World Trade Organization forecasts that global trade will shrink by as much as 1.5 percent if Trump reinstates his higher “reciprocal” tariffs — pegged for the EU at 20 percent — that he earlier suspended for 90 days.
Though she did not name the U.S. president, von der Leyen criticized strongmen around the world in remarks that could easily have been directed at Trump’s aggressive diplomatic style or, in the same breath, at Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We do not invade our neighbors and we do not punish them,” she said.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex Greenland, refusing to rule out using military force. He has also voiced his desire to make Canada the 51st American state and has vowed to impose crushing financial penalties if Ottawa defies him and works with the European Union to impose counter-tariffs on the U.S.
Controversial debates
Von der Leyen underscored Europe’s dedication to academic freedom, insisting that “controversial debates at our universities are welcome,” amid Trump’s unprecedented campaign against some of his country’s most prestigious universities.
The American president has introduced stricter regulations and threatened to freeze or cut federal funding unless institutions comply with his administration’s demands, including stamping out progressive ideology.
Europe has in turn launched a concerted campaign to lure American talent, positioning itself as a refuge for scholars fleeing Trump’s crackdown.
“We consider freedom of science and research as fundamental … we want scientists and researchers from all over the world to make Europe their home,” von der Leyen said. “And to make Europe the home of innovation again.”
Von der Leyen spoke briefly with Trump at the Vatican during the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, with the two agreeing to have a proper meeting at a later date.
Max Griera Andreu contributed reporting from Valencia, Spain.
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