The United States and the European Union reaffirmed their alliance this Friday as they faced pressing global crises, including conflicts in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine. This moment unfolded during the second US-EU summit held at the White House, where President Joe Biden welcomed the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, to a high-stakes discussion about shared security and strategic cooperation.
In the midst of two major wars, the gathering conveyed a concise, united message. While topics such as clean energy transitions and trade were on the table, the central issue remained the stability of transatlantic relations. There were no new trade concessions or tariff breakthroughs announced at the meeting, even as steel and aluminum duties remained a sensitive and unresolved point of negotiation between Washington and Brussels.
The visitors arrived and departed on separate schedules, meeting Biden individually as well as engaging with Josep Borrell in one instance. There was no joint press conference at the gates of the White House; instead, Michel and von der Leyen conducted a public walk in the Rose Garden, underscoring a deliberate, measured approach to diplomacy.
United democracies
At the outset of the trio’s discussions, a message of unity was delivered for the cameras. Michel affirmed that the world today faces enormous challenges and that a strong EU-US alliance is essential to meet them effectively. Von der Leyen added that the size and speed of current conflicts show that democracies must stand together and act in concert when it matters most.
The European Council President spoke about the humanitarian tragedy spreading across the Middle East and reinforced the stance against Hamas’s October 7 attacks. He emphasized the right to self-defense must be exercised within the boundaries of international humanitarian law and with careful regard to civilian protection.
Von der Leyen thanked Biden for the extraordinary visit to Israel and affirmed that Israel’s right to self-defense should be exercised in accordance with international law. Erdogan, who weighed in after traveling to the region, described Hamas’s actions as barbaric and highlighted their devastating impact on Israeli society. He also stressed that, while Palestinians suffered under Hamas, humanitarian aid must continue to reach civilians in Gaza, a point echoed by both the US and EU in their ongoing efforts.
Von der Leyen conveyed a distinct concern about Iran, noting the risk of the conflict spreading further across the region. She pointed to recent incidents involving missiles and drones and highlighted the role of external actors in shaping regional security dynamics, while acknowledging the importance of strict adherence to international norms.
The leaders reaffirmed that events in the Middle East should not deter them from their overarching goals. Solid support for Ukraine remained a central pillar, with the German leader noting that the European Union has already provided close to $90 billion in aid to Kyiv. This assistance encompasses financial backing, military equipment, humanitarian relief, and support for millions of refugees. The collective stance remained unequivocal: Putin’s strategic aims would fail, and Russia’s aggression would be met with steadfast, unified resistance.
The discussions also highlighted a joint commitment to regional stability, humanitarian relief, and the protection of civilians affected by the ongoing conflicts. While no sweeping new policy announcements emerged, the summit underscored close coordination on deterrence, defense, and diplomatic initiatives designed to sustain credibility with allies and deter further escalation in volatile hotspots. The dialogue reflected a shared conviction that democracy and alliance strength are essential to addressing today’s multifaceted security landscape, with continued collaboration expected across political, economic, and security domains.