Ursula von der Leyen, fresh out of her Hanover hospital bed after a bout of pneumonia, returned to the global arena this week.
With Donald Trump newly ensconced in the White House and all of Europe in a crouching position, anticipation was high on the main stage of the World Economic Forum in Davos. A regular at the annual carnival of the world’s corporate and political jet set, von der Leyen was true to form in her keynote address.
A sure way to determine if an orator has delivered her message in an address is to survey the reaction. Here are a few examples how Europe’s media read the speech:
“‘Pull down barriers’ – Von der Leyen announces EU reforms” – Handelsblatt
“Donald Trump? Von der Leyen doesn’t mention the elephant in the room” – Die Welt
"Von der Leyen says EU will be 'pragmatic' in dealing with Donald Trump" – Les Echos
“EU Commission President: ‘Ready to negotiate with Trump on trade but we will defend our interests’” – Corriere della Sera
Meanwhile, the Anglo-American press had their own takes:
“Von der Leyen warns on ‘fracturing’ global economy after Trump tariff threat” – FT
“EU tells Trump’s America: We have other options” – Politico
To be fair, journalists are not the best arbiters of meaning, so we sampled a few real people around the EU capital.
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