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Von der Leyen: ‘Europe is not the one who started the tariff clash with the US’
The President of the European Commission emphasises Europe’s commitment to respond decisively to threats of new US tariffs
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has responded to Donald Trump’s threats to introduce new tariffs on countries ‘that have taken advantage of the United States’. During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she said that Europe had not initiated the confrontation on tariffs, but was ready to respond with ‘unity and determination’.
‘We do not necessarily want to retaliate, but we have a strong plan to respond if necessary,’ von der Leyen explained. His goal remains a ‘negotiated solution’, but he warned that Europe will defend its interests and its companies if the situation calls for it.
Von der Leyen also reiterated that the EU considers ‘this confrontation’ counterproductive for all parties, as the flow of goods and services between Europe and the US is almost balanced. He emphasised that the transatlantic relationship is the largest and most prosperous in the world and that a constructive solution would be mutually beneficial.
Furthermore, he pointed out how internal barriers in the European single market could have similar effects to very high tariffs, recalling the International Monetary Fund’s estimate of a ‘45 per cent tariff for production and 110 per cent for services’ within the EU. For von der Leyen, it is necessary to remove internal barriers to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to operate across Europe.
Finally, he emphasised the importance of simplifying bureaucracy for professionals and technology companies, improving access to the single market and encouraging investment within Europe. The European Commission, he concluded, will continue to promote ambitious proposals to facilitate growth and innovation in the EU.
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(Photo: © AndKronos)
