Tariffs: EU seeks “Good Deal” with US as Germany warns on digital services

Brussels – Caution, but still optimism: after the trade truce decided by US President Donald Trump and the pause in tariffs, Europe now calls on the EU Commission to work to find the desirable solution. “We need a good deal,” stresses Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski on the sidelines of the informal Eurogroup meeting hosted by the Polish presidency of the EU Council. The issue lies all here in the ‘good’ nature of an all-negotiated deal. “We must use these 90 days wisely,” he reiterates, explaining the European stance.

Domanski, Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe, Spanish Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo, German Finance Minister Joerg Kukies, all those speaking to the press confirm full support for the European Commission to negotiate with the White House. However, all say the same thing: “If we don’t see commitment or goodwill, we will have to defend our economy and businesses.” It is another way of reiterating that already defined gradual stance according to which the EU will first try the negotiating but is ready to act.

In this response comes the German suggestion to the EU executive. Faced with speculation about hitting the big-tech sector, Kukies notes that “in many areas of digital services, there are insufficient alternatives to the US offer.” A call for caution and targeted responses that avoid self-inflicted damage and for appropriate reforms.  “We should digitize Europe to become more able to withstand stresses and have alternatives,” said the German finance minister. In any case, Berlin intends to follow Brussels’ activities closely. “We coordinate very closely and very closely with (trade commissioner) Sefcovic” who “is our negotiator,” Kukies added.