EU offers zero-inch agreements-threatens with countermeasures!

EU offers zero-inch agreements-threatens with countermeasures!

The European Union (EU) has signaled its interest in negotiations on a duty -free trade agreement with the USA, but at the same time it is open to countermeasures if the situation requires it. At a meeting that was recently taken in Luxembourg, the Minister of Commerce agreed to prioritize trade talks in order to avoid a possible trade war. EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic emphasized that the EU is prepared to react to the tariffs introduced by the USA to steel and aluminum and warns of an escalation of the situation. In doing so, he referred to a possible financial amount of 26 billion euros ($ 28 billion), which was related to those affected, and made it clear that the final list of countermeasures is created during the night after the ministerial meeting.

The Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU was ready to negotiate a “zero-zu-zero” customs agreement for industrial goods. It is planned that the first retaliation duties will come into force on selected US imports from April 15, followed by a second wave on May 15. However, Sefcovic warned that the EU was also willing to strengthen its reaction and to activate the anti-Coercion instrument (ACI). This would enable the EU to restrict the access of US companies to public orders or to make American services in a targeted manner. However, some EU countries that depend heavily on trade relationships to the USA are calling for a cautious procedure.

political concerns and reactions

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris described the activation of the ACI as the "very much the nuclear option" and expressed that many EU countries were currently not willing to take this step. In addition, the EU is currently facing steel, aluminum and cars with a 25 percent customs, as well as 20 percent tariffs on almost all other goods. In 2024, EU imports from the United States amounted to 334 billion euros (USD 366.2 billion), while EU exports to the United States took up 532 billion euros ($ 582.1 billion).

Dutch Minister of Commerce Reinette Klever warned of an immediate escalation of the trade conflict, which could destabilize the markets. She asked to stay calm and react de -escalating. The threat of Donald Trump with a 200 percent counter-customs on EU alcoholic in the event of a 50 percent customs on US bourbon ensures concern in countries such as France and Italy, which are important exporters of wine and spirits.

long -term effects on transatlantic relationships

In the context of the re-elected Trump government, the European Parliament debated the potential effects on transatlantic relationships. Leading EU MPs called for a continuation of the cooperation. In a debate between MEPs, representatives of the Council and the European Commission on February 12, 2025, it became clear that customs threats were considered harmful to companies and consumers. Adam Szłapka, Polish Minister of European Affairs, spoke out for an open, regular and fair international trade, while Maroš Šefčovič criticized the US tariffs and Bernd Lange pointed to the possibility of counter-tariffs. The deputy chair of the parliamentary delegation for relationships with the United States, Sophie Wilmès, underlined the importance of deterrent against tariffs.