EU Power, US Prosperity: Von der Leyen's Policies Shape Transatlantic Tides

A strong EU reinforces a strong USA. Ursula von der Leyen's economic, environmental, and diplomatic policies directly impact U.S. foreign interests and transatlantic cooperation. Her decisions at the EU's helm shape global trade, climate action, and international diplomacy, influencing U.S.-EU relations and highlighting our intertwined futures.

What are the reasons and circumstances that led to the establishment of EU-US relations?

The European Union (EU) has long been a crucial partner for the United States, with roots tracing back to the aftermath of World War II. The Marshall Plan, initiated in 1948, saw the US invest over $13 billion (equivalent to about $150 billion today) to rebuild Western Europe. This historical context set the stage for a deep, enduring transatlantic partnership that continues to shape global affairs today.

In this light, the policies of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission since 2019, have had significant and direct impacts on the United States. Her leadership has coincided with major global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, all of which have influenced EU-US relations

The Role of the European Commission President

The President of the European Commission serves as the head of the EU's executive branch, a position comparable in some ways to that of a nations leader, albeit within the unique structure of the EU. This role involves managing the EU's vast bureaucracy, proposing and enforcing legislation, implementing policies, and representing the EU in international affairs. Dr. Amelia Hadfield, head of politics at the University of Surrey, explains the importance of this position: "The Commission President sets the overall direction and agenda for the EU. Their vision and priorities can significantly shape European policy for years to come, affecting everything from trade agreements to climate initiatives."

The 2024 European Commission Presidential Election

The recent re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission has

drawn significant attention both within Europe and internationally. Von der Leyen, a former

German Defense Minister, secured a strong majority for her second term, a testament to her

leadership during challenging times for the EU.

Many European leaders and analysts view von der Leyen's re-election positively. Her tenure has been marked by decisive action on several fronts, most notably the EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People Party in the European Parliament, praised von der Leyens leadership statesing "President von der Leyen has demonstrated strong and stable leadership during unprecedented crises. Her re-election ensures continuity in EU policy at a critical time." However, not all voices in Europe are uniformly supportive. Some critics argue that von der Leyen's policies have been too centralized, potentially infringing on member sovereignty.

Ricardo Borges de Castro at Euractiv says, "The centralisation of power in the EU’s executive is not new, but this tendency was turbocharged in the past years." (Castro, 2024).

The American Perspective on European Leadership

From an American standpoint, the leadership of the European Commission holds significant

implications for transatlantic relations. The United States has long viewed a strong and united Europe as crucial for global stability and as a key ally in addressing international challenges (e.g The Marshall Plan). Former U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Anthony Gardner, commented on von der Leyen's re-election,"President von der Leyen has been a staunch advocate for strong EU-US relations. Her continued leadership bodes well for transatlantic cooperation on issues ranging from trade to security.". So, on the American standpoint, there has nothing to alarm or disatisfy America with Leyen's policy and so far, has been soild satisfaction.

How is all this significant to the US?

The direction of EU policy under von der Leyen's leadership has direct and indirect effects on U.S. interests. One of whitch is the overall economic Impact Europe posses to the US,the EU is one of the largest trading partners of the U.S. Any shifts in EU economic policy, particularly regarding trade and digital markets, can significantly impact U.S. businesses and the overall economy.A robust and well-led European Union proves to be a valuable partner for the United States in tackling worldwide issues, including climate change and navigating diplomatic relations with China and Russia. Regarding crucial defense collaboration: The EU's planned unified air defense initiative may enhance or possibly rival NATO frameworks, significantly influencing American military planning in Europe. Global Digital Governance and Its American Impact: EUs regulations on data privacy, AI, and digital markets are shaping worldwide standards, profoundly affecting U.S. tech giants and Silicon Valley startups alike. These policies not only influence the operations and competitiveness of American tech firms but also have far-reaching implications for U.S. jobs in the technology sector. EU digital regulations significantly impact US-Europe tech collaborations and mergers. These policies can either bolster or hinder overseas partnerships, shaping the global tech landscape. According to a 2022 report by PwC, cross-border M&A deals between the US and Europe in the technology sector decreased by 26% in value compared to the previous year, partly due to regulatory challenges. This statistic underscores how EU tech policies directly influence the feasibility and attractiveness of transatlantic tech mergers and collaborations. All of these factors harms the US directly and it is all important that a strong and helthy Europe is present, as it will directly affect the US economy and diplomacy.