EU unites against Trump’s tariffs: retaliatory measures and talks with India

from the correspondent in Strasbourg – React with retaliatory measures and conclude new trade agreements, starting with India. It is the EU’s response to the decision of US President Donald Trump to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum, discussed during a European Parliament plenary debate, where the major groups are uniting, forming a true ‘Ursula majority’ like never before since the June 6-9-vote. It is a sign of unity in the hemicycle, marking a twelve-star alignment against Washington’s moves, as the initial reactions are unconvincing.

 “I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports,” the official reaction of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen just minutes into the House meeting. Von der Leyen, who is not present in Strasbourg due to institutional commitments, promises that “unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered” and announces “firm and proportionate countermeasures.” However, from the benches of The Left, Rudi Kennes attacks: “I regret? It is ridiculous. Trump is laughing at this.” His colleague and co-chair of the group, Manon Aubry, adds to the criticism: “The EU’s reaction is nothing. We continue to be the lapdog of the United States even when they strike at the rights of the LGTBQI community and attack Europe’s interests. How many more provocations must we endure before leaders wake up?” 

Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic tries to calm a House that demands and expects action. “The EU sees no justification for this decision. We will respond proportionately and to defend our interests,” he told MEPs. He admits that a tariff-driven trade war is “not our preferred scenario” but assures that they will move forward with determination. However, Sefcovic points out, “We are open to negotiate.” Against Trump’s policies and those who would follow his example is more trade, the EU commissioner emphasized. He recalls and claims the agreements with Mercosur countries and updates to the agreement with Mexico as an EU shield to Trump. In light of recent events, Sefcovic anticipates deals with India, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The People’s Party (EPP) supports Sefcovic’s words and strategy. “We need Mercosur. We need to continue with India and Indonesia,” Jorgen Warborn added. More importantly, a firm and decisive response is needed because “fragmentation weakens us.” The Commission, however, suggests “responding in compliance with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Otherwise, it creates even more uncertainty.” Even in the ranks of the Liberals (Renew Europe), there is a call to proceed with negotiations with New Delhi. “More trade is the answer” to Trump’s tariffs, argues Svenja Hahn, “and India is the best answer” in that regard.

Socialists (S&D), Liberals (Renew), and Greens join the call for firmness and counter-tariffs, as does the EPP. “We want the European Commission to respond with retaliatory measures,” Socialist Kathleen Van Brempt cuts short. “You don’t stop a bully by giving him what he wants. Otherwise, he will always ask for more.” PD MEP Stefano Bonaccini also believes that “faced with the threat of the protectionist weapon, we will have to respond together, without hesitation.”

Renew Europe is on the same wavelength. “With the United States, we are ready to respond” to make it clear that “Trump was elected president of the United States, not the world,” said Karin Karlsbro. Liberal Marie-Pierre Vedrenne urged there to be no wavering. “We must respond harshly,” she said. Even Anna Cavazzini of the Greens urges the EU executive to react: “The European Union cannot be blackmailed.”

More timid is the co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the European Parliament, Nicola Procaccini: “The only way to tackle this new challenge is to have a fair approach,” he argues. It means that, as the European Union, “we have to be ready; we don’t like tariffs, but we know that they are part of international trade. They were yesterday, they are today, and will be in the future.”