European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said, “The Western world we once knew no longer exists.”
In an interview with the German newspaper Die Zeit, von der Leyen stated that U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies are bringing “historic changes” to global politics, compelling the European Union (EU) to take a more active and influential role in shaping a new world order.
Although she described herself as a “devoted Atlanticist” and “close friend of the United States,” she acknowledged the current strain in relations between the U.S. and Europe, along with global geopolitical tensions, are forcing the EU to reposition itself.
“The world order we considered stable and well-structured is now turning chaotic,” she said. According to her, the two major causes are the strategic rivalry between the U.S. and China, and the imperial ambitions of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Von der Leyen emphasized the need for Europe to evolve into a more confident and global partner in this shifting landscape. Despite the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies, she noted that Europe has remained firm and resilient.
She also mentioned that many countries—such as Canada, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, and several South American nations—are now showing interest in building partnerships with Europe within this emerging world framework.
While U.S.-EU trade relations account for 13% of global trade, the remaining 87% is conducted with other countries, opening new opportunities for Europe, she added.
“Everyone now wants to trade more with Europe. It’s not just about economics—it’s about rules, predictability, and trust. Europe’s image as a reliable partner is once again becoming valuable,” said von der Leyen.