Von der Leyen and Trump in Scotland: Key trade talks ahead of new tariffs deadline

(Patria) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump will meet today in Scotland, a few days before the deadline for new high US tariffs on EU imports.

The meeting will take place at 16:30 local time in Turnberry, on the southwest coast of Scotland, where Trump spent Saturday playing golf, and comes after weeks of negotiations between Brussels and Washington.

Before leaving for Scotland, Trump reiterated that he sees a 50-50 chance of a deal, repeating earlier comments. "We are meeting with the European Union and it would actually be the biggest deal of all if we succeed".

Today's meeting comes a few days before August 1, when Trump said he would impose 30 percent tariffs on imports from the European Union due to alleged trade imbalances.

However, the US President has left open the possibility of waiving the higher tariff rate if the bloc opens more of its market to the US.

The EU has been trying to reach an agreement with Washington for weeks to avoid an increase in tariffs on European products.

The meeting will give von der Leyen and Trump the opportunity to "look at and consider options for a balanced outcome that ensures stability and predictability for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic," said a spokesperson for the Commission President.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently announced that an agreement in the trade dispute could be reached soon. The US President recently agreed with Japan on 15 percent tariffs - significantly less than originally planned.