The European outlet Politico reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen personally called U. S. President Donald Trump to press him on increasing pressure against Russia. According to the publication’s sources, it was these regular direct contacts that brought the two leaders closer.

In Brussels, officials admit that von der Leyen still has to make concessions, but stress that she has become actively involved in security discussions. One European official noted that cooperation between the EU and Washington intensified following her meeting with Trump at the G7 summit in July.

Later, Trump himself reached out to von der Leyen and invited her to Scotland, where the two sides signed a trade agreement. EU representatives said the Commission chief managed to make an impression on the U.S. president: while Trump initially pushed for 35 percent tariffs, the final rate was reduced to 15 percent.

Sources told the outlet that informal talks without strict protocol helped build a more trusting relationship between them. Still, some European officials remain skeptical, arguing that Trump is likely to act as he sees fit regardless of prior understandings.