ROME - U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance convened on Sunday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, expressing hopes that the meeting would facilitate progress in trade negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United States.

Vance highlighted the importance of the transatlantic alliance, acknowledging existing disagreements that can arise in friendships, particularly regarding trade issues.

"I think we will have an excellent conversation and I hope it marks the beginning of long-term trade negotiations and benefits between Europe and the United States," he stated after attending a service marking the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

The U.S. administration has implemented a 25% tariff on imports of steel, aluminum, and cars, alongside additional levies of 10% affecting nearly all countries.

If the anticipated negotiations do not yield results within a stipulated 90-day pause, reciprocal tariffs totaling 20% may be introduced against the EU.

Von der Leyen emphasized the significance of the U.S.-EU trade relationship, which she described as the most important globally, with annual trade exceeding $1.5 trillion.

She noted that both sides had exchanged negotiation documents outlining various discussion topics for the future.

"It is important, now that we have exchanged documents, that our experts delve into the details and discuss them," she remarked.

"Everyone knows that the devil is in the details, but what unites us is that ultimately we want to secure a good agreement for both parties," Von der Leyen added.

She has thus far been unsuccessful in arranging a formal meeting with President Donald Trump since his return to the White House in January, only exchanging brief words at the funeral of Pope Francis last month at the Vatican.

In addition to tariff discussions, Von der Leyen indicated her intentions to discuss matters concerning Ukraine and defense spending with Vance.