Core Points - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is facing significant challenges, including a costly trade agreement that has not met expectations and has led to dissatisfaction among European businesses [2] - The exclusion of the EU from the US-Russia summit has further intensified the political pressure on von der Leyen, raising concerns about her leadership during this crisis [2] Trade Agreement Issues - The EU agreed to import $750 billion worth of US energy and invest an additional $600 billion, totaling $1.35 trillion, to reduce US tariffs to 15%, which is perceived as an imbalance compared to the UK's lower tariff rate of 10% [6][8] - The agreement allows US agricultural products to enter the EU tariff-free while imposing a 15% tariff on French wine and cheese, highlighting the unequal treatment and dissatisfaction among EU member states [8] Diplomatic Exclusion - The EU was completely excluded from the US-Russia summit discussing the Ukraine conflict, which has embarrassed the EU, as it plays a significant role in the crisis yet lacks a seat at the negotiation table [10] - This exclusion has led to a perception of the EU as merely a financial supporter in US strategic interests, diminishing its influence in international affairs [10] China's Countermeasures - China has imposed transaction bans on two European banks, which, while small in scale, play crucial roles in infrastructure financing in Central and Eastern Europe, further complicating von der Leyen's position [12] - This action by China is seen as a targeted strike against the EU, revealing weaknesses in von der Leyen's approach to China [12][14] Internal Divisions - There are significant divisions among the 27 EU member states regarding the trade agreement, with countries like Germany and Italy supporting it for business interests, while France, Hungary, and the Netherlands oppose it, citing damage to European industry [16][17] - The internal dissent reflects a broader "North-South divide" within the EU, with Northern countries prioritizing security cooperation with the US and Southern countries relying more on trade with China [17] Environmental Policy Controversies - Von der Leyen's "Green Deal" has faced criticism, particularly the 2035 ban on gasoline vehicles, which has pressured European manufacturers and led to investment shifts to North America [19] - The EU's agricultural policies have also come under fire, as allowing Ukrainian grain to be sold at low prices in Eastern Europe has negatively impacted local farmers, leading to accusations of betrayal [19] Conclusion - Von der Leyen's leadership is under significant scrutiny due to both external geopolitical challenges and internal trust issues within the EU, raising questions about the future of EU autonomy and influence in global affairs [22]