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EU Representative Participates in Discussions in Washington Amid Trade Strains
Bjoern Seibert is engaging with U.S. officials in national security and economics as Brussels gears up for a trade package that may include future natural gas acquisitions.
Bjoern Seibert, the chief of staff for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, made an unannounced trip to Washington last week, as reported by several EU diplomatic sources.
During his stay, Seibert held discussions with members of the U.S. National Security Council and the National Economic Council.
These meetings took place prior to von der Leyen’s upcoming discussions with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, which are set to occur in Paris.
The conversations happened against the backdrop of the recent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.
EU officials noted that the visit is part of ongoing initiatives to engage with the newly established U.S. administration and to look into ways to reduce tensions.
Brussels is reportedly developing a package of trade proposals that may include an offer to buy more American natural gas.
Paula Pinho, the chief spokesperson for the European Commission, confirmed that Seibert's meetings were part of routine interactions with the U.S. administration.
These discussions are taking place alongside broader preparations by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which called a virtual gathering of the bloc’s 27 trade ministers to consider a unified approach.
This strategy is anticipated to explore the possibility of imposing reciprocal tariffs that could impact the transatlantic trade relationship worth about $1.3 trillion.
Other diplomatic engagements involve EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič conversing with U.S. officials such as Howard Lutnick, Trump's nominee for Commerce Secretary; Jamieson Greer, the appointed U.S. Trade Representative; and Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council.
These meetings are occurring amid ongoing uncertainties regarding the formal negotiation mandate within the U.S. administration and delays in crucial appointments in Washington.
During his stay, Seibert held discussions with members of the U.S. National Security Council and the National Economic Council.
These meetings took place prior to von der Leyen’s upcoming discussions with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, which are set to occur in Paris.
The conversations happened against the backdrop of the recent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.
EU officials noted that the visit is part of ongoing initiatives to engage with the newly established U.S. administration and to look into ways to reduce tensions.
Brussels is reportedly developing a package of trade proposals that may include an offer to buy more American natural gas.
Paula Pinho, the chief spokesperson for the European Commission, confirmed that Seibert's meetings were part of routine interactions with the U.S. administration.
These discussions are taking place alongside broader preparations by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which called a virtual gathering of the bloc’s 27 trade ministers to consider a unified approach.
This strategy is anticipated to explore the possibility of imposing reciprocal tariffs that could impact the transatlantic trade relationship worth about $1.3 trillion.
Other diplomatic engagements involve EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič conversing with U.S. officials such as Howard Lutnick, Trump's nominee for Commerce Secretary; Jamieson Greer, the appointed U.S. Trade Representative; and Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council.
These meetings are occurring amid ongoing uncertainties regarding the formal negotiation mandate within the U.S. administration and delays in crucial appointments in Washington.
