Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – US President Joe Biden talked with Ursula von der Leyen after her re-election as head of the European Commission. One of the subjects of conversation was Ukraine.
Biden complimented Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election. As stated in the White House, the leaders confirmed their dedication to strong relations between the US and the EU and joint solutions to the world’s biggest problems.
Ursula von der Leyen on her X remarked on the conversation with Biden, thanking the US president for his salutations. She emphasized that the United States and the European Union encounter common challenges — in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region.
What Global Issues Did Biden and von der Leyen Address?
US President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen examined support for Ukraine and joint strategic relations between the US and the EU. They stressed the importance of solving global problems and holding Russia accountable for its aggression. They also examined support for Ukraine and attempts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression, the report says.
What Are US-EU Joint Challenges According to von der Leyen?
Ursula von der Leyen highlighted common challenges faced by Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region for both the US and the EU. The re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as the head of the European Commission for the next five years signals continuity in leadership and a commitment to addressing international challenges. This reaffirmed commitment between the US and the EU aims to strengthen collaboration in tackling the world’s biggest problems and supporting Ukraine amidst geopolitical tensions.
How Are US and EU Strengthening Sanctions on Russia?
Earlier, the European Union and the United States will persist to jointly and comprehensively support Ukraine and expand sanctions pressure on Russia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Joe Biden said after assembling in Washington on 10 March 2023.
In a common statement, both sides commented that they are deepening their joint position to “aggressively enforce” sanctions and export controls and to prevent and halt circumvention and backfill, including by developing powers to ban Russia’s access to all resources that could support its war machine. As part of this work, the EU and the US are bringing new steps together against third-country actors helping Russia’s war and to further limiting Russia’s revenues from oil and petroleum products.
“We will continue to work together to strengthen our economic restrictions to ensure that the costs to Russia of its illegal war continue to grow,” says the joint statement. The United States and European Union will also continue to ensure military, economic, and humanitarian support to Ukraine. Von der Leyen and Biden also mentioned that they were helping Ukraine by co-chairing the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform and advancing Ukraine’s reform agenda in line with its European path, “laying the foundation for sustainable growth and reconstruction, and ensuring assistance is delivered in a coherent, transparent, and accountable manner”.
They also expressed the EU and US stay committed to equipping and mobilising international support including from the private sector for Ukraine’s economic and financial strength. They also emphasised support for the International Monetary Fund delivering an enterprising programme by the end of March 2023 “to deliver necessary budget support to Ukraine throughout and beyond 2023”.
