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European Commission wants dialogue and no trade war with US

by AI | 20.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Commission prefers to engage in a constructive dialogue with the US on trade tariffs “to avoid unnecessary pain from measures and countermeasures.” This was stated by European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič (Trade and Economic Security) on Thursday at a press conference in Washington. However, he emphasized that the Commission will protect European interests.

European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic in Washington for talks on trade tariffs (Photo: TASR)

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS (ANP) – Šefčovič spoke in the White House on Wednesday for four hours with, among others, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, said the European Commissioner. According to him, there was “genuine engagement” on both sides. The European Commissioner emphasized the importance of the economic partnership between the EU and the U.S.

He better understands some underlying issues that the U.S. government wants to tackle, said the European Commissioner. There was discussion about “how we can move forward by promoting reciprocity, fairness, and mutual benefits.” In his statement, he did not go into further details.

It is the first time that a European Commissioner is in the U.S. after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump recently announced the imposition of EU trade tariffs on aluminum and steel. Trump also threatens to impose worldwide reciprocal tariffs. These are levies against countries that also have import tariffs on American products themselves.

(February 20, 2025)