External relations of the EU with key partner countries

EU - US Relations

The EU and the US are strategic partners that have common views on issues of international interest. Cooperation focuses, among other things, on trade. The EU and the US aim at laying the foundation for a revitalized economic and trade partnerships, based on the principles of free trade and competition.

Following the Russian invasion into Ukraine and in light of the need to diversify energy resources, on 25.03.2022 a meeting was held between the then American President Biden and the President of the European Commission, von der Leyen. It was agreed to establish a framework on accelerating energy diversification (including Liquefied natural gas), as well as alternative ways for reducing energy demand in Europe. A Joint Energy Security Task Force was established to examine the technical aspects of these issues.

The President of the European Commission visited Washington and held talks with President Biden on 10.03.2023. The main items of the talks included energy security and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. The EU called for transparency on the incentives bestowed upon the US clean-tech industry. The two parties also agreed to conclude an agreement on critical minerals.

The EU-US Summit took place on 20.10.2023 in Washington. The two parties' common stance on foreign policy issues was reaffirmed, while discussions on pending trade issues are continued.