Andrea Shalal, Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Joe Biden will be hosting Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, at the White House Wednesday, to talk trade and the turmoil in the Western Balkans, among other topics, as he continues his efforts to repair ties to the European Union.

Biden and von der Leyen met in Washington shortly before the G20 meeting of world leaders in Rome.

The White House stated that the meeting would be followed up by discussions about the “rules” of economic development through a U.S-EU trade technology council. It also addressed global warming.

Biden is a Democrat and has tried to strengthen ties with Europe following the departure of his Republican predecessor Donald Trump.

White House spokesperson Emily Horne stated that President Biden would reaffirm support for the European Union, a key partner of the United States.

Biden’s presidency has seen transatlantic relations improve, with both the US and EU agreeing to settle two trade disputes over aircraft subsidies as well as steel production. These are in response to China’s larger threats.

Biden and von der Leyen could discuss the sharp rise in energy prices, which has fuelled concerns over inflation. These discussions are deepening from those held during G20.

Biden has pressed OPEC (and its partners) to increase oil supplies and has urged the major G20 energy producers countries to expand their production in order to support a global economic recovery.

Although the White House indicated that it was considering other options if OPEC or its partners don’t do more to increase production, they declined to specify what these options might be.