The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, said on May 5 that the European Union (EU) has to “activate its anti-coercion instruments” in case The United States imposes a tariff 25% on cars and trucks manufactured in community territory.
“I believe, above all, that in the geopolitical period we are living in, allies like the United States and the European Union have much better things to do than agitate threats of destabilization“Macron said at a press conference.
The French president insisted on the need to preserve economic stability, but also defended the idea that the EU must react to any tariff threat from Donald Trump.
“The agreements that are in force must be respected”Macron noted, adding that, if not, trade negotiations with the US would be reopened.
“If one country or another were threatened with customs dutiesthe European Union has been provided with instruments that must be activatedbecause that is its purpose,” he added.
“We hope that reason prevails and that a harmonious path be resumed between our economic spaces,” said Macron.
On the other hand, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reminded President Donald Trump that the community bloc He is “prepared” for any situation that arises.
To discuss this issue, the European Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, and the United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, met today in Paris. about which information has not yet been released.
However, Greer said the day before that Trump “will move forward” with his threat to impose a 25% tariff on cars and trucks manufactured in the European Union in the coming days.
Also read: Another setback from the Supreme Court? Trump plans new tariffs on US imports
