U.S. President Joe Biden will host Michel and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Friday to show unity toward Ukraine, but with trade irritants souring ties.
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday, and the two countries' trade negotiators were meeting around the clock.
Michel told reporters it was a critical time for the United States and the EU to "stick together" on shared values and commitment to democracy, especially given the escalating crisis in the Middle East, which threatens to overshadow the long-planned summit.
It is still to be seen if this will end the U.S. tariffs threat or just see an extended suspension.
Given the EU needs such materials itself for its green transition, the positive impact for the bloc may be limited.
Persons:
Charles Michel, Joe Biden, Michel, Ursula von der Leyen, von der Leyen, Katherine Tai, Valdis Dombrovskis, Donald Trump, Bernd Lange, Philip Blenkinsop, Alexandra Hudson, Jonathan Oatis
Organizations:
European Union, EU, European Commission, Trump, . Trade, European, Washington, World Trade Organization, United, U.S, Thomson
Locations:
BRUSSELS, WASHINGTON, United States, Ukraine, China, Brussels, U.S, Washington, North America