US President Joe Biden on Thursday called in for his first joint talks with all of the EU’s 27 leaders as Washington looks to press home the message that it wants to rebuild ties frayed by tensions with his protectionist predecessor Donald Trump.

European Council president Charles Michel said the EU and US can promote democratic values by working together, as Biden joined a video summit with the bloc’s leaders.

“By standing together, shoulder-to-shoulder, the EU and US can show that democracies are best suited to protect citizens, promote dignity, and generate prosperity,” Michel wrote on Twitter.

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The US is hoping to forge a common front of democracies against the rising might of authoritarian powers led by China and is keen to enlist the EU.

EU leaders have welcomed Washington’s pledge to work together despite some arguing the bloc needs to become more independent after Trump’s isolationist policies and abrasive treatment rattled allies.

The two sides took a first step towards joint action against Beijing on Monday by unveiling synchronised sanctions over the crackdown on the Uyghurs in China.

They also agreed earlier this week to suspend tit-for-tat tariffs imposed during Trump’s time over a trade dispute involving Boeing and Airbus.

The EU is keen to work with Biden on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and fighting climate change after he rejoined the 2016 Paris accord.

Trump did not hold talks with all EU leaders together, but both previous presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush met with the entire bloc.