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Šefčovič in EP: EU is preparing adequate measures for new American tariffs
Slovak European Commissioner responsible for trade Maros Sefcovic spoke in the EP about EU measures on US tariffs.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič spoke in the EP about EU measures on new US tariffs. PHOTO: TASR
Strasbourg/Bratislava – The European Commission (EC) is working on preparing adequate countermeasures following the introduction of new tariffs by the United States. The European Union (EU) wants to protect its businesses, citizens, and consumers as best as possible. This was stated on Tuesday morning by the Eurocommissioner for trade and economic security, Maroš Šefčovič, during a speech before the Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as reported by the TASR correspondent.
Members of Parliament discussed with Eurocommissioner Šefčovič and the Polish Minister for EU Affairs, Adam Szlapka, the current state of trade relations between the EU and the USA, as well as multilateralism and potential EU reactions if Washington imposes tariffs on European products.
Šefčovič, in part of his speech dedicated to relations with the USA, stated that unfortunately, the tariffs previously threatened by US President Donald Trump are back. He recalled that on Monday (February 10), Trump signed an order imposing a 25-percent tariff on imports of steel and aluminum to the United States without exceptions, and this affects Europe, with Trump not ruling out tariffs on other products. The next in line could be cars, medicines, or microchips.
“We regret that these tariffs have been introduced, which have no justification and are economically counterproductive. They disrupt the deeply integrated production chains that the EU and the USA have jointly created, are bad for business and trade, will increase consumer prices, and increase inflation,” he described the situation to the MEPs.
The Slovak Eurocommissioner stated that the new US tariffs have a negative effect on the global trading system and it is the worst possible scenario that could have occurred.
Šefčovič emphasized that the EU will protect its interests. “We are currently looking for ways to react most balancedly and protect our businesses, workers, and consumers,” Šefčovič indicated. He acknowledged that the situation that has arisen is “not our preferred scenario,” but added that the EU is willing to engage in dialogue with the American side, negotiate, and find the best possible solution for both parties. (February 11)
“We regret that these tariffs have been introduced, which have no justification and are economically counterproductive. They disrupt the deeply integrated production chains that the EU and the USA have jointly created, are bad for business and trade, will increase consumer prices, and increase inflation.” Maroš Šefčovič
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