EU trade policy
Habeck doesn’t want Europe to “turn a blind eye” to Trump
With Donald Trump, trade relations between the USA and Europe will change. The German economics minister hopes for cooperation – and calls for self-confidence from the EU.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck warns against the European Union’s “denialism” towards the new US government under Donald Trump. “The arguments, but also your own strength, are so great that you can appear self-confident,” he said on the sidelines of an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels.
Nobody could be interested in a trade conflict with the USA. “But throwing yourself into the dust would also be wrong,” he emphasized. “The European internal market is as important to the American economy as the American market is to Europe.” This must be clear to the Americans.
Habeck relies on “the power of the better argument”
US President-elect Trump announced during the election campaign that he wanted to introduce new tariffs of 10 to 20 percent on imports into the United States. If such tariffs are levied, products in your own country would also become more expensive, explained Habeck. Inflation is rising.
“Nobody can actually have an interest in that,” said the Green politician. “That’s why I’m still counting on the power of the better argument being heard there and then prevailing.” However, the EU countries must also manage to speak with one voice.
dpa
Source: Stern
