Von der Leyen pledges to protect EU interests when US imposes duties
The European Union (EU) intends to defend its interests in relations with Washington and will adhere to a firm retaliatory position in case of the decision of the United States to unfairly impose duties on goods from Europe. European Commission (EC) head Ursula von der Leyen said on February 7.
"We will be ready to defend our interests if necessary. The EU will respond firmly. We will be very firm about our principles," she told a press conference in Warsaw. It was broadcast by the press office on the EC's website.
Von der Leyen noted that U.S.-EU trade profits amount to €1.5 trillion and jobs in both the EU and America depend on it. Clarifying that the U.S. and the EU are not negotiating duties yet, as there has been no signal from Washington to Brussels.
"Discussions can be only if there is an initial impetus," - said the head of the EC.
Prior to that, on February 5, the Financial Times (FT) noted that in the case of the introduction of duties by the United States in the European Union may be split on the issue of retaliatory measures. The publication noted that the EU is preparing for a potential trade war with US President Donald Trump.
The US President signed an executive order on February 1 to impose trade tariffs of 25% on goods from Canada, China and Mexico. Then he also promised to impose duties on goods from the EU. With this decision, Trump seeks to reduce the flow of the opioid fentanyl across the border, as well as the flow of migrants.
Later, on February 3, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that the EU should react strongly if Trump imposes duties on European goods. According to her, everyone should respect the sovereignty of all states.
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