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The Commission President criticizes the US leader's trade war, approach to other countries and targeting of universities...
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen repeatedly criticized Donald Trump in a speech that highlighted the growing antagonism across the Atlantic.
The European Union and the entire world will suffer as a result of the "unpredictable tariff policy of the US administration", whose taxes are "the highest in a century", she said at the European People's Party congress in Valencia, Spain.
"Millions of citizens will face higher food bills, medicines will cost more, transportation will cost more, inflation will increase," she said.
Trump's tariffs - 10 percent on most countries, 145 percent on China and 25 percent on steel, aluminum and cars - rocked global markets when he announced them earlier this month.
The World Trade Organization predicts that global trade will shrink by up to 1.5% if Trump restores his highest "reciprocal" tariffs set for the EU to 20%, which he previously suspended for 90 days.
Although she did not mention the US president, von der Leyen criticized strong leaders around the world who easily succumb to Trump's aggressive diplomatic style or, at the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We do not invade our neighbors and we do not punish them," she said.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex Greenland, not ruling out the use of military force. He has also expressed his desire to make Canada the 51st US state and has vowed to impose crippling financial penalties if Ottawa defies him and cooperates with the European Union to impose counter-tariffs on the US.
Von der Leyen underlined Europe's commitment to academic freedom, insisting that "controversial debates in our universities are welcome," amid Trump's unprecedented campaign against some of his country's most prestigious universities.
The US president has introduced stricter regulations and threatened to freeze or cut federal funding if institutions do not meet his administration's demands, including the suppression of progressive ideology.
Europe, on the other hand, has launched a coordinated campaign to lure American talent, positioning itself as a haven for researchers fleeing Trump's strict measures.
“We consider the freedom of science and research to be fundamental. We want scientists and researchers from all over the world to make Europe their home,” von der Leyen said. She added that “Europe will once again become the home of innovation.”
Von der Leyen spoke briefly with Trump at the Vatican during Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday and the two agreed to have a regular meeting at a later date. /Adapted from Pamphlet/
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