EU foreign policy chief says EU has to fix ties with Trump

(MENAFN) According to reports, the European Union must work to strengthen its ties with US President Donald Trump, described as “the most influential man in the world,” and adjust to his approach to politics and governance, EU foreign policy head Kaja Kallas stated in a recent interview.

She was asked whether Brussels can rely on Trump following a trade agreement that drew heavy criticism within the bloc. The deal imposed a 15% tariff on the majority of European exports while lifting duties on US industrial goods. It also involved replacing Russian energy with American supplies, a shift that many EU officials argued disproportionately benefits Washington.

“The US is and remains our most important partner. But the new administration has clearly changed how it conducts policy and official business. We Europeans must adapt and adjust to their way of working,” Kallas said. She noted that Trump’s tariff policies have become a “new benchmark for how well a country gets along with the US.”

“Trump is the most influential man in the world… We simply have to learn how to work with him.”

Kallas further stressed that resolving the war in Ukraine is unlikely without Trump’s participation, asserting that only Washington “has the power to force Russia into serious peace negotiations.” She expressed optimism that Trump will act on previous warnings by tightening restrictions on Moscow.

While Russia is already under extensive sanctions, it has not faced US tariffs directly. However, Trump has threatened to impose such measures on nations trading with Moscow if progress on Ukraine stalls. Just last month, he doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, accusing New Delhi of supporting Russia by purchasing oil and defense equipment. He also suggested additional actions could be taken against China.

More recently, Trump hinted at further punitive steps targeting Russia if NATO members fail to curb their purchases of Russian oil, arguing that the alliance’s efforts toward securing peace in Ukraine remain insufficient.

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