The meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump at the White House next Thursday has sparked renewed tensions in transatlantic relations. The talks will cover a range of issues, including trade policy and security concerns in Europe.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government spokesman Stefan Kornelius announced that the talks will address these trade policy issues, which have been a point of contention between the EU and the US. In fact, the EU could retaliate against US technology companies or impose additional tariffs if the transatlantic trade conflict escalates.
The meeting also aims to address security concerns in Europe, with Trump having threatened to escalate tensions by imposing a 50% tariff on EU goods. However, he later postponed this decision until July 9. Chancellor Merz stated that the US is in a strong position to end the war on European soil without military actions but through pressure on Russia, proposing increased sanctions which the EU is currently debating for the 18th time since the conflict began.
The meeting at the White House will also address the ongoing war in Ukraine, with both leaders seeking to secure a ceasefire and maintain Western support for Ukraine.