Ursula Von Der Leyen

The European Union announced it will impose counter tariffs worth $28 billion on U.S. goods starting next month, in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the EU’s countermeasures are strong but proportionate to the U.S. actions. The new tariffs will come into effect by April 13, 2025, following the end of the EU's suspension of tariffs on U.S. products, which includes items like boats, bourbon, and motorbikes. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump implemented a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports on March 12, 2025, ending previous exemptions. Trump also criticized Ireland’s tax policies, claiming they caused U.S. companies to relocate there. He argued that the U.S. should have prevented this and that reciprocal tariffs would aid American manufacturing. The move intensifies a global trade war, with both sides taking measures to protect their domestic industries.

India, EU prepare blue print for collaboration in trade, tech, investment, security, mobility and more

On FTA, PM Modi said, "We have told our teams to conclude a mutually-beneficial India, EU FTA by end of this year."

European Commission's Ursula von der Leyen arrives in New Delhi, says India a 'friend and strategic ally'

India and the European Commission are currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and von der Leyen said she is confident about the talks, calling India 'a friend and a strategic ally.'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wins second term

Von der Leyen received votes backing her from 401 MEPs in the 720-seat chamber in the French city of Strasbourg -- over the 361-vote majority she needed to remain head of the EU's executive body.

Ursula von der Leyen is the world's most powerful woman, says Forbes. 10 things to know about her

Ursula von der Leyen was a practising doctor in Germany. She joined politics in her early 40s and became Germany’s first woman defense minister.

'Decisive breakthrough': UK PM Rishi Sunak declares new Brexit pact

After weeks of intensive negotiations, Sunak was joined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a final set of in-person talks in Windsor, south east England, after which the duo addressed the media to confirm a new 'Windsor Framework'.

UK's PM and EU chief clinch Brexit deal over Northern Ireland trade

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen adopted the deal at talks in Windsor, west of London, both sides said.

Rishi Sunak aims to unveil Northern Ireland Brexit deal

The meeting between the British PM and European Commission president in Berkshire suggests the UK and the European Union are finally ready to settle their differences.

EU must seek to de-risk rather than decouple from China, says von der Leyen

China, she said, heavily subsidises its industry and restricts access to its market for EU companies.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warns Russian gas buyers that payments in rubles breach sanctions

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, warned EU importers Wednesday that paying for Russian gas in rubles, as the Kremlin has demanded, would breach sanctions.

What happens in Ukraine will have impact on Indo-Pacific: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen said the world’s response to Russia’s aggression will decide the future of both the international system and the global economy.

EU, India to set up council to broaden ties amid Ukraine war

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is on a two-day visit to India's capital, part of Western efforts to encourage New Delhi to reduce ties to Russia, its main weapons supplier, following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to seek closer military, trade and tech ties on India visit

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit is part of Western efforts to encourage India to reduce its ties to Russia after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, and follows a trip last week by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen to visit India next week

The crisis in Ukraine as well as ways to deepen EU-India cooperation are set to figure prominently in her talks with Indian leaders.

More sanctions needed to 'increase' pressure on Russia: Volodymyr Zelensky tells EU

"Not all possibilities for sanctions have been exhausted yet. The pressure on Russia must increase," Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Twitter after talking to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.

Russia could lose financial markets access, advanced goods if it invades Ukraine: EU chief

Western leaders have until now refused to be drawn on the details of the responses they have agreed on if Russia invaded, only ruling out a military response and promising economic sanctions that would be unprecedented in scale.

EU to propose microchips law in early February, EU chief says

The proposal, known as the European Chips Act, will aim to adapt state aid rules, improve tools to anticipate shortages and crisis and strengthen research capacity in the bloc.

Paris cancels New Year fireworks over Omicron fears

Many countries have decided to reintroduce travel restrictions and other containment measures since it was first detected in South Africa last month.

Omicron could be dominant in Europe by mid-January

The European Union appears to be better positioned to face a new wave of infections this holiday season than last, when vaccinations had yet to begin in earnest.

Omicron could become dominant in Europe by mid-January

"If you look at the time it takes for new cases to double in number, it seems to be doubling every two or three days. And that's massive. We're told that by mid-January, we should expect Omicron to be the new dominant variant in Europe," von der Leyen told the European Parliament, pointing to scientific data.

Time to 'think about mandatory vaccination': EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen

"My personal position is... I think it is understandable and appropriate to lead this discussion now," she told a media conference, underlining that a third of the EU population of 450 million was still unvaccinated.

EU announces 1-billion euro aid package for Afghanistan

The money, pledged at a virtual G20 summit, adds 250 million euros to a 300-million-euro sum the EU previously announced for urgent humanitarian needs, with the remainder going to Afghanistan's neighbouring countries taking in Afghans fleeing Taliban rule, a statement said.

EU chief executive lays out plan to make bloc more independent

Von der Leyen also announced a plan for Europe to establish partnerships in infrastructure through a "Global Gateway" to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative.

No movement: UK, EU show little sign of defusing post-Brexit row

Since Britain completed its exit from the EU late last year, relations between the two have soured, with both accusing the other of acting in bad faith over part of their Brexit divorce deal that covers trade with Northern Ireland.

EU considers COVID vaccine patent waiver but Germany, drugmakers push back

U.S. President Joe Biden voiced support on Wednesday for a waiver in a reversal of the U.S. position, and his top trade negotiator, Katherine Tai, swiftly endorsed negotiations at the World Trade Organization.