STRASBOURG (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – “It must be clear: Europe has not initiated this confrontation. We don’t necessarily want to react, but we have a strong plan to react if necessary.” This was said by European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen in her speech in Strasbourg at the plenary session of the EU Parliament on the 25 percent increase in tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum, cars and auto parts announced by the Trump administration.
“Our immediate response is unity and determination. I have already been in contact with our heads of state and government on next steps. Today we have the parliamentary debate. And we will carefully evaluate tomorrow’s (U.S., ed.) announcements to calibrate our response,” Von der Leyen explained. “Our goal is a negotiated solution. But of course, if necessary, we will protect our interests, our people and our companies. I want to be very clear about the purpose of our response. We don’t think this confrontation is in anybody’s interest. The flow of goods and services between us is almost in balance. We are willing to work on the trade balance of goods and services. This is the largest and most prosperous trade relationship in the world. We would all be better off if we could find a constructive solution.”
“Our strategy is based on three pillars. First, we are open to negotiations, but we will approach these negotiations from a position of strength,” the EU Commission president stressed. Europe holds many cards. From trade to technology to the size of our market. But this strength is also based on our readiness to take firm countermeasures. All the tools are on the table. Second, we will continue to diversify our trade with other partners. And third, we will redouble our efforts on our Single Market. It is our powerful catalyst for growth, prosperity and solidarity.”
“There are serious problems in the world of trade. Overcapacity, imbalances, unfair subsidies, denial of market access, theft of intellectual property,” Von der Leyen explained. “The Americans say others have taken advantage of the rules. They agree. We also suffer from it. So let’s work on it. But tariffs make things worse, not better. They are taxes that will be paid by people. They are taxes for Americans on their food and their drugs. They will only fuel inflation. Exactly the opposite of what we want to achieve. American factories will pay more for parts made in Europe. This will cost jobs. It will create a bureaucratic monster of new customs procedures. And today nobody needs that, neither in the U.S. nor in Europe.”
– IPA Agency Photos –
(ITALPRESS).
