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Brussels – Members of the European Parliament (EP) discussed the future of EU-US relations under the leadership of the new administration of Donald Trump on Wednesday. Slovak MEPs from several political factions also commented on the topic, reports the Brussels correspondent of TASR.
The discussion in the EP on the consequences of Donald Trump’s victory on transatlantic relations was held with representatives of member countries and the European Commission.
Politico reported on Wednesday that Trump is preparing new “universal” tariffs of up to 20 percent on all goods entering the US and 60 percent on imports from China.
EP Vice-President Martin Hojsík (Renew Europe/Progressive Slovakia) claims that the EU must be able to “stand on its own feet”, not depend on anyone, and be strong enough. “Even for Slovakia, it is beneficial for Europe to be stronger, to work on a more united Europe that can protect its interests – whether against the United States or others,” he explained.
If there is a trade war between the EU and the US, Maroš Šefčovič, assigned the Union’s trade policy and economic security in the European Commission, will have to address it. Hojsík suggested that negotiation is needed, not fighting. He also expressed hope that Šefčovič will prove that this post was rightfully entrusted to him and that transatlantic relations will be of quality and fair.
Katarína Roth Neveďalová (non-affiliated/SMER-SD) stated that the EU must become more independent. “We will have to support our own economy and industry more. We cannot expect great support from the United States. We are already in a trade war, not only with China but also with the US,” she said. She believes that it may be necessary to reassess the policy that restricts industry in Europe. She referred to the extreme focus on the green economy, suggesting improvements in legislation and reducing bureaucracy when adopting new regulations.
According to her, Europe cannot blame Trump for wanting to protect the American economy, but it must strive for the same itself. She claims that Šefčovič confirmed this during the hearing when he said that the EU must take more care of itself and reassess its functioning system.
She added that if Trump imposes tariffs, the EU must respond in kind to help its producers. However, it cannot become a “fortress” since it is an open economy and needs foreign trade.
Miriam Lexmann (EPP/KDH) believes that despite some of his statements, Trump will foster transatlantic relations because he knows that the EU and the US are allies who must protect peace, human rights, and democracy in the world. “I hope Trump will remain faithful to what he has already proven as president. He supported transatlantic relations in a way by urging us to invest more in defense – which is important today when we have a war on our borders,” she explained.
She is in favor of the EP negotiating with both Republicans and Democrats to strengthen transatlantic cooperation and address the question of how to confront the threats posed by China. She welcomed that Marco Rubio will be the head of American diplomacy, as she has worked with him for years on projects supporting democracy and freedom worldwide.
Branislav Ondruš (independent/Hlas-SD) mentioned that the EP’s committee for international trade has already convened a monitoring group for trade relations with the USA. So far, it is about general debates because, according to him, it is not clear how Trump will ultimately act. However, Ondruš thinks that if the US imposes tariffs, it will do so in a more moderated way. “European-American relations are so interconnected that a trade war is not in anyone’s interest,” he added. However, according to him, it is necessary for the EP to closely monitor the situation and discuss all scenarios. (November 13)