Storyline: The European Commission has asked industry representatives to disclose their prospective spending plans in the United States as the European Union (EU) pushes forward with transatlantic trade negotiations with Washington, according to recent media reports. In preparation for the talks, members of BusinessEurope -- an alliance of 42 industry federations across the bloc -- received a survey from the European Commission requesting details on upcoming investments in the United States. A similar request, asking for five-year investment plans, was also sent to the European Round Table for Industry. According to the reports, BusinessEurope confirmed receiving the request, while the European Round Table for Industry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The European Commission also declined to comment. Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump walked back his threat to impose 50 percent tariffs on goods from the EU starting June 1, following what he described as "a very nice call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. On Tuesday, Trump described the EU's decision to initiate talks as a positive development and expressed hope that Europe would "open up" to trade with the United States. However, he reiterated his threat to impose trade terms if no agreement is reached. Shotlist: Brussels, Belgium - May 6, 2025: 1. Various of European Parliament building, flags of European Union (EU) members FILE: Brussels, Belgium - 2024: 2. Various of EU flags, Berlaymont building (headquarters of European Commission) 3. Sign of European Council 4. Flags of EU member states FILE: Schwarzheide, Germany - 2022: 5. Various of car assembly line FILE: Lingen, Germany - March 13, 2025: 6. Various of steel production FILE: Hamburg, Germany - 2024: 7. Various of Port of Hamburg, facilities, containers FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Oct 2024: 8. Various of White House, U.S. national flag 9. Various of Capitol Hill, U.S. national flag. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]