The European Union has expressed hope for a change in relations with the United States following the inauguration of Joe Biden as President, in light of the changes the world has experienced after four years under the outgoing President Donald Trump.
The Associated Press reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated during a session of the European Parliament, which addressed the inauguration of the new U.S. president and the political situation, that this is a moment we have long awaited, noting that Europe now has a friend in the White House again. Von der Leyen expressed Europe's readiness to resume communication with an old partner in order to tackle global challenges that require strong and renewed international cooperation. She welcomed the new administration's announcement of its intent to collaborate in combating the coronavirus.
On his part, European Council President Charles Michel indicated that transatlantic relations have suffered greatly over the past four years, and that the world has become more complex and less stable. He clarified that the disagreements between the unified bloc and Washington will not disappear magically. Michel emphasized that the European Union is choosing its own path and does not wait for permission to defend its interests and promote its values, noting that the EU's priorities are addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, rebuilding the global economy, and strengthening security relations.
In Germany, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier remarked in a video statement on his Facebook and Instagram accounts that the United States has faced enormous challenges and expressed his hope that the United States would once again be an international partner in addressing important issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and security issues, including arms control. Outgoing President Donald Trump left the White House after a turbulent four years in power before Joe Biden took the oath of office to become the oldest president in history at 78 years old.
