Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is expected to meet with Donald Trump in Scotland this weekend. The meeting, described as a notable diplomatic engagement, will focus on ongoing trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States. Von der Leyen’s spokesperson, Paula Pinho, stated that “intensive negotiations at technical and political [level] have been ongoing between the EU and US.” She added that “Leaders will now take stock and consider the scope for a balanced outcome that provides stability and predictability for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The meeting is anticipated to take place in Aberdeenshire. Following this, Trump is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with Keir Starmer on Monday. These discussions are expected to build upon the trade deal previously agreed upon in May.
Trump’s visit to Scotland has necessitated a significant security operation, reportedly the largest since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Over 5,000 police and security personnel are involved in the four-day event. This heightened security is a direct response to the assassination attempt on the US president a year prior.
Extensive security measures have been implemented at Trump’s coastal golf course. These include the erection of high perimeter fences, naval patrols along the shore, and the deployment of surveillance drones. Security personnel were observed at the resort early on Saturday.
The significant security presence may foreshadow arrangements for the upcoming visit of US Vice President JD Vance and his family to the Cotswolds in August. They are reportedly planning a holiday in the village of Charlbury.
Residents who previously opposed the expansion of Trump’s golf course have raised questions regarding the funding of these security measures.
