Combative American Vice-President JD Vance was all smiles today as he met with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – but he still couldn’t help himself quipping that America has “some disagreements” with the EU. The 40-year-old best-selling author was greeted by Italy’s PM who was hosting trilateral talks between the US, EU and Italy in Rome today.
During a photo call Mr Vance sat opposite Ms von der Leyen who stared back at him as he noted at the start of trade negotiations that: “I’ve said repeatedly that I think Europe is an important ally of the United States, the individual countries within Europe are important allies of the United States, but of course we have some disagreements as friends sometimes do on issues like trade.”
Mr Vance continued: “Of course we also have agreements and many things we can work on together and I’m looking forward to this conversation… I hope this will be the beginning of some long-term trade negotiation and some long-term trade advantages for both Europe and the United States.”
A stoney-faced Ms von der Leyen replied: “It’s good to see you again, we’ve met in Paris and now here in Rome… we have the largest trade relationship in the world, with more than 1.5 trillion dollars per year, very much intertwined, so it is important now we have exchanged papers.”
Ms von der Leyen added that the “devil would be in the detail” once experts had “deep-dived” into the trade negotiations.
Moving on from the trade talks, the EU supremo added: “I would like to also raise the topic of Ukraine, what unites us is that we want a just and lasting peace, and I know how much you are engaged in ending this war and I thank you for that. I think the next week will be crucial.
“Finally… I know the European member states have to step up the investment in defence, this is why we have enabled the use of up to €800 billion in the next four years for defence investment.”
The huge sum equals approximately £672bn. Both JD Vance and his boss President Trump have called for greater investment from European allies in defence in NATO, with Mr Vance previously stating that partners in Europe needed to shoulder a greater share of the “burden” of supporting the military alliance.
Ms von der Leyen timely mention of Ukraine comes as President Trump said this weekend he would be calling both Russia‘s President Putin and Ukraine‘s President Zelensky to end the “bloodbath” of the three-year conflict on Monday.
JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with President Zelensky in Rome today. The politicians had all been in the Eternal City to visit the Vatican for the inaugural mass of the new Pope Leo XIV, the Holy See’s first American Pontiff.
Writing about his meeting with the American team on X, President Zelensky said: “Good meeting with JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome.
“During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers. I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible.
“We have also touched upon the need for sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defence cooperation, battlefield situation and upcoming prisoners exchange. Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war. And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and durable peace.
“Thank you to all American people for the support and leadership in saving lives.”
