US President Joe Biden arrived in the UK on June 9, 2021, for his first overseas trip since taking office in January. His itinerary includes a series of high-level meetings with leaders from the G7 nations, NATO, and the EU. In addition, he will attend a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 16.
Biden’s four-day trip to Europe comes at a time of increased political tensions between the US and Europe, particularly with regard to economic relations. The US has accused several European countries of imposing unfair trade practices, particularly in the area of steel and aluminum imports. In response, the EU has threatened to impose retaliatory measures against the US, including tariffs on US goods.
One issue of particular concern to Biden on this trip is Northern Ireland’s peace process. Biden has expressed support for the Good Friday Agreement, which ended 30 years of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, and has warned that any moves by the UK to undermine the agreement could jeopardize US-UK relations.
Biden’s visit to the UK was preceded by controversy over claims made by former DUP leader Arlene Foster that the US President “hates the United Kingdom.” Foster, who was speaking to a group of Jewish voters in Belfast, made the remarks in response to Biden’s support for the Good Friday Agreement.
Foster’s remarks prompted a swift rebuke from the Irish government, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin stating that they were “offensive and divisive.” Foster later clarified that she did not believe that Biden personally hates the UK, but that the US President’s support for the Good Friday Agreement could lead to tensions between the UK and the US.
Biden’s visit to Europe comes at a time of increased political uncertainty in the region, with several countries facing major political challenges. France is grappling with the aftermath of the Yellow Vest protests, while Germany is preparing for a general election in September that could see Chancellor Angela Merkel step down after 16 years in power.
Meanwhile, both the US and Europe are facing major economic challenges, including sluggish growth and high unemployment rates. Biden has proposed a series of measures to tackle these issues, including massive infrastructure investments, tax reform, and increased support for workers and small businesses.
Overall, Biden’s trip to Europe is expected to focus on a range of issues, including economic relations, trade, security, and climate change. The US President will meet with a number of key leaders during his visit, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
