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The President of the European Parliament, who has been on an official visit to Washington since Tuesday, said in a speech at Johns Hopkins University on Thursday that the EU and the US should talk about trade agreements, not tariffs, and assured that “the Union is not intending to swindle anyone.”
Metsola’s words were in response to a statement by Donald Trump, who announced on Wednesday the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from the European Union, including cars, and accused the Community of having been established to “rip off” the United States, evidenced by the fact that Europe does not want to import American cars and agricultural products.
The head of the EP, who has been on an official visit to Washington since Tuesday, where she met with European and American entrepreneurs and paid tribute to American soldiers who died during World War II at Arlington National Cemetery, delivered a speech at Johns Hopkins University on Thursday, emphasizing that “the world relies on the strength of transatlantic relations that go beyond common trade, trade, and industry.”
In relation to Trump’s announcement of imposing tariffs on the Union, the politician said that she believes the EU and the US can find a mutually beneficial solution. “Therefore, I think we should talk more about trade agreements than tariffs. The Union is not intending to swindle anyone,” Metsola emphasized. The head of the EP also noted that the Community will respond immediately and firmly to unjustified barriers, including tariffs, imposed on free and fair trade. A similar tone was reflected in the European Commission’s statement issued on Wednesday in response to Trump’s words.
The head of the EP announced that the EU will increase defense spending, and assured that these are not just empty promises. “We know that our commitment must match the level of threat we face, and it is very high,” she assessed.
Metsola also highlighted that Europe should play a role in ensuring peace in Ukraine, because it also means peace and stability in Europe. She added that Europe, which has experienced war devastation in its history that has marked entire generations, has always wanted peace in Ukraine. “But we must be honest with ourselves: peace without freedom, peace without dignity, peace without justice will not be real peace,” she said, adding that therefore no decisions regarding Ukraine can be made without the participation of Kyiv. (27.02.2025)