Brussels, 04/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - US President Barack Obama's intention to review the wording in the clause promoting US industry, has reassured the European Commission. The Senate discussion on the 900 billion recovery plan that includes the “Buy American” clause and aims to exclusively use US steel products for construction projects that benefit from public funding, provoked concern from Europeans. The European Commission sharply protested against this measure and indicated on Tuesday that it was planning to take the case to the WTO. Clarification provided by Mr Obama since then, however, who wants to avoid sending protectionist messages to the rest of the world and provoking a trade war, was welcomed by Commissioner for Trade Catherine Ashton's spokesperson on Wednesday 4 February in a statement to the press: “We are very pleased by what President Obama said on the Buy American clause yesterday. He is standing up for what is right for trade, right for America and right for the global economy”. He also added that “he and indeed some others in the US, realise that if the measure was adopted as currently drafted, the US would weaken its position and lose its moral high ground when it comes to stemming the protectionist tide that now threatens the economy”. According to Ashton's spokesman, the commissioner is “encouraged by the words of President Obama…. He realises, like we do in Europe, that we need to trade our way out of the current economic difficulties. Trade is part of the solution… “. (A.B./transl.rh)