Tridico (M5S): We must respond strongly to the US on tariffs

Brussels – Let’s respond harshly to US tariffs. MEP Pasquale Tridico (M5S, The Left) from the European Parliament calls for this, speaking out in favour of economic countermeasures against the measures announced by Donald Trump. “While the European Parliament debates and while Europe continues to negotiate as if we were still in the world of “free trade”, the United States has already collected over $100 billion in tariffs, practising selective protectionism that rewards their interests and punishes our economy. Who is really defending European interests?” he argued. 

Tridico then continued on the problems that have come about because of the duties: “Unilateral measures are hitting our companies while American multinationals continue to sell in Europe, taking advantage of our market without paying taxes fairly. This is not just a trade issue: it is a question of social justice, economic sovereignty, and dignity. No more asymmetry, no more economic dependence. Our welfare is at risk if we allow those who make profits to give nothing back to the community.” 

Finally, Tridico declares that the EU must respond strongly: “We demand symmetrical countermeasures, targeted and selective duties. If we don’t, we risk undermining the single market by blowing up everything we have built together. We call for the introduction of a tax on digital services. Now is the time. Either we defend social and productive Europe now, or we condemn ourselves to economic and political irrelevance.”