The EU has signalled its readiness to negotiate with Donald Trump, hoping to avoid a damaging trade conflict. Ursula von der Leyen highlighted growing global competition and warned against trade policies that disrupt economic bonds. Trump’s administration has begun investigating US trade deficits and unfair practices: Germany is a potential target, but chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed cautious optimism after his first contacts with Trump's administration. Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to collaboration with global partners, including India and China; she also voiced support for the Paris climate agreement, which Trump has exited. Noting that trade between the USA and the EU is worth 1.5 trillion euros, she said, ‘No other economies in the world are as integrated as we are. So our first priority will be to engage early, discuss common interests, and be ready to negotiate.’  EU officials see Trump’s policies as a wake-up call to fix their economies and become more competitive.