European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Paris this weekend for the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral, a spokesperson for the executive said on Thursday, December 5.
About 50 heads of state and government are expected in the French capital for the ceremony on Saturday, including US President-elect Donald Trump. It will be the first time that von der Leyen will meet Trump since his election last month and before his inauguration in Washington on January 20.
The European Union is trying to prepare for the return of the billionaire former real estate mogul, who has threatened to increase tariffs on European products and withdraw support for Ukraine.
Von der Leyen’s visit also comes against a backdrop of disagreement with French President Emmanuel Macron over the free-trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc. She was due to take part in a key summit in Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, on Thursday and Friday, where a long-awaited agreement could be finalized, despite misgivings from France.
Reuse this content
EU’s von der Leyen to await Notre Dame re-opening
Justice Department charges nearly 80 defendants in COVID loan fraud cases
The Justice Department has announced a crackdown on COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program fraud, resulting in charges against over 160 defendants and approximately $245 million in
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry featured in SNL UK sketch after UK move
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, after living in the US for six years. Reports