Previously, all three had participated in the official inauguration of the new Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. It is the first discussions between the United States and Europe at this level since US President Donald Trump had also announced worldwide tariffs against Europe.
“I repeatedly said that I consider Europe to be an important ally of the United States. The individual countries of Europe are important allies of the United States,” said Vance.
“But of course we have disagreements, as it sometimes happens to friends, on topics such as trade,” he added. However, there are also many “matches and many things we can work together, and I’m looking forward to this conversation”.
For her part, the “very special and close relationship” between the USA and the EU praised the Leyen. “Everyone knows that the devil is in the details, but what connects us is that we want a good deal for both sides together,” added the EU Commission President.
In April, Trump announced tariffs of 20 percent to most of the EU imports to the USA and even higher tariffs on goods from numerous other countries, but initially exposed to the measure until July.
Trump said at the beginning of May, he hoped for a meeting with the “fantastic” of the Leyen and emphasized that the EU wanted to “conclude an agreement with the USA”.
Meloni, who is close to Trump and sees herself as a bridge builder between the USA and the EU, expressed hope that the talks could be a “new beginning”.
