The words of the president of the European CommissionUrsula von der leyenpronounced in the plenary of the European Parliament, are a clear signal aimed at Washington. The relationship between European Union and the United Stateshe underlined, represents “The largest and most prosperous commercial relationship in the world”and each tariff escalation risks damaging both blocks.
Von der Leyen has specified that Europe does not seek the clash: “We don’t necessarily want to take revenge, but we have a strong plan to take revenge if necessary». The reference is possible countermeasures economic if the United States continues with the adoption of New duties on European products.
Usa Dazi: “A nightmare for importers and citizens”
The President of the Commission has warned against the direct effects of duties on the American economy: “The duties are taxes that will be paid by the population“He said, explaining that they will have direct impact on food, drugs, industrial components and on Transatlantic value chain.
According to Von der Leyen, these measures “will only feed theinflation», They will produce a”bureaucratic monster»Of new customs rules and” will cost jobs»To the US industries. Instead of accentuating protectionism, he invited the United States to collaborate on global challenges such as unjust subsidies, theft of intellectual property and commercial imbalances.
Reindustrialisation and economic sovereignty: common objectives
Von der Leyen recognized the reasons behind the American thrust towards a new one reindustrialisationbut he reiterated that the duties are not the solution: “I understand that America wants to reindustrialize, and so also Europe. So let’s work. But duties in general worsen things, they don’t improve them».
The message is twofold: on the one hand an opening to cooperation on a plane of Shared strategic autonomyon the other one firm opposition to unilateral measures who put global economic balances at risk.
Manfred Weber: “Trump threatens the best economic model in the world”
To go back the dose was Manfred Weberleader of European Popular Partywhich has strongly criticized the recent commercial threats from the former president Donald Trump. “Europe represents 22% of global GDP, we are an economic power. If Trump focuses on European goods, we should focus on American services“, He said.
Among the main targets are i US digital giantsaccused of “pay little for European infrastructure». A warm theme that touches the question of Equa Tassation of the tech giantsoften accused of tax avoidance in EU member countries.
An appeal against commercial populism
In his speech, Weber also wanted to raise a political question: Where are Trump’s European “friends” now? Has explicitly mentioned Viktor Orban And Alice Weidel To underline the silence of those who, in the past, have supported positions related to those of the former American president.
THE’Appeal to the European Unity clashes with the thrusts sovereign and with the advance of a logic of economic nationalismswhich risk weakening Europe on a global level at a time when a common strategy.