The EU27 trade ministers held an extraordinary meeting by videoconference on Wednesday 12 February, after US President Donald Trump announced on Monday 10 that he was increasing tariffs on steel and aluminium, affecting European exports (see EUROPE 13577/1). The Commission has not yet responded with countermeasures, although it is working on them. Europeans also fear additional customs duties in the coming days or hours from the United States.
On Wednesday, the European Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefčovič, was unable to enlighten the ministers on the measures to be expected, even though they had requested them. The Commission wants to take the time to measure the impact of the tariff increases that have been agreed. Several Member States have indicated that they, too, prefer not to rush into anything.
“We will support the European Commission in being active in such cases and responding proportionally and responsibly when necessary. At the same time, we want to maintain the offer of positive cooperation with the US, so as to jointly remove barriers on the transatlantic market and foster economic security”, declared the Polish Minister for Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk, at the end of the meeting.
According to two European sources, the ministers made two main requests of the Commission: - priority must be given to a positive relationship with Washington and, therefore, a trade war must be avoided as far as possible; - secondly, the Commission should consult the Council before announcing any measures.
Finally, the ministers once again stressed the need to remain united in the face of Donald Trump’s threats and actions (see EUROPE 13572/1). (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)