In a candid interview with Die Zeit, and as reported by The Times UK, von der Leyen, 66, said, “The West as we knew it no longer exists,” citing erratic American trade policy, rising inequality, and the emergence of “oligarchs and bros” shaping global rules in place of democratic institutions.
Her remarks come amid renewed tensions between the EU and the United States, particularly in the wake of President Donald Trump’s past tariff threats and open criticism of European institutions. Von der Leyen compared the political climate surrounding Trump—including influential figures like Elon Musk—to Russian-style oligarchic control, saying, “We don’t have bros or oligarchs making the rules.”
While Trump has repeatedly accused the EU of undermining American interests and questioned the value of NATO, von der Leyen emphasized Europe’s strengths: “We don’t invade our neighbours, and we don’t punish them,” she said, linking Trump’s protectionist policies to Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Ukraine.
JD Vance, a close Trump ally and potential future U.S. vice president, has also criticized the EU for its stance on immigration, free speech, and populism. He has accused European leaders of building “firewalls” to block nationalist movements and even alleged that democratic processes have been stifled in countries like Romania.
Von der Leyen firmly rejected this characterization, instead defending the EU’s record on social equity and democratic resilience. “In Europe, children can go to good schools however wealthy their parents are. We have lower CO2 emissions, higher life expectancy, and controversial debates are allowed at our universities,” she said.
She also took aim at Russia and other autocracies, warning of foreign interference but noting that Europe’s social market economy and stronger middle class offer a protective buffer. “Inequalities are less pronounced here… because the levers of power are more widely distributed,” she stated.
In a pointed comment on Trump’s previous tariff chaos, von der Leyen expressed gratitude for the wake-up call. “It’s often easier to see your own strengths in somebody else’s mirror,” she said, referring to how Trump’s erratic economic measures helped galvanize Europe’s political unity.
Although Europe’s relationship with the United States remains vital—13 percent of its global trade is with the U.S.—von der Leyen emphasized that 87 percent is with the rest of the world, and those partners value the EU’s reliability. “Everyone is asking for more trade with Europe… it is about predictability and reliability,” she said.
Looking ahead, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet with Trump in Washington, underscoring the growing complexity of the transatlantic relationship. Meanwhile, JD Vance is expected to travel to Rome on Good Friday, where he is likely to praise Meloni’s populist coalition as a model for Europe’s future.
While Europe grapples with internal divisions and external pressures, von der Leyen’s message was unequivocal: “You can make money anywhere in the world. But where do you want to raise your children? Where do you want to be if your health isn’t great? When you get older? There are many very good answers which Europe has to offer.”
