US President Donald Trump stated that Europe has a large share in trade with the US and threatened to impose tariffs on critical sectors such as steel, automobiles and chemicals. Macron and Scholz argued that Europe must respond to these threats with a strong and united response.
Scholz listed three key issues on Germany's EU policy platform: “No penalization of the European car industry, more protection for the European steel industry and the suspension of sustainability reporting, including the reduction of companies' obligations.” Scholz took a more moderate approach, advocating negotiated trade relations with the US. “This week we are facing a new US administration. It is already clear that President Trump will be a challenge,” he stated, adding,” Our position is clear. Europe is a big economic space with about 450 million citizens. We are strong. We stand together. Europe will not bend and hide”.
Macron emphasized the need for Europe to consolidate its independence and economic dominance: “Now that a new administration has taken office in the United States, it is more important than ever for Europeans and therefore for the two countries (France and Germany) to play their part in consolidating a united, strong and dominant Europe,”. He added that France could take retaliatory countermeasures if necessary.
Both leaders were united by Europe's economic interests. Scholz has focused on defusing trade tensions amid falling public support ahead of the elections, while Macron seems determined to adopt a tougher stance amid a divided parliament and domestic political equilibrium.
Comments
No comment yet.