EU Prepares Two-Track Plan for Trump Trade Ties
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Several European Union member states are urging the bloc to engage more quickly with President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, hoping to prevent disruption in relations with their largest trading partner.
EU diplomats said multiple member states told the bloc’s executive arm Nov. 21 that it should seek to establish a positive agenda with Trump aides as soon as possible, even as it prepares potential retaliatory measures against threatened tariffs.
Trade ministers from EU nations met Nov. 21 to discuss preparations for the protectionist agenda Trump has promised, including possible across-the-board tariffs of 10% to 20%.
The EU is exploring potential areas for deeper cooperation with the U.S., such as increased liquefied natural gas imports and closer alignment on addressing China’s trade practices.
But the commission is also developing a list of potential targets for retaliation if Trump moves ahead with the tariffs.
(Bloomberg)
“If we see certain new trade disputes or certain measures that are addressed against the European economy or European companies, we should be ready to react in a coordinated, precise and proportionate way,” said the EU’s trade chief, Valdis Dombrovskis.
During the Nov. 21 closed-door discussion, there was a strong consensus about the need to remain united in addressing the challenges posed by Trump, said EU diplomats, who were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
“The commission is already in touch with the Trump team, within the limits foreseen by the transition on the U.S. side,” said Eric Mamer, the commission’s spokesperson.
Poland, which will take over the EU’s rotating presidency in January, stressed the need for strong transatlantic relations, particularly when it comes to security.
“The EU needs to remain united, but it also needs to remain proactive to propose solutions to the U.S. administration,” said Polish Deputy Minister of Development and Technology Ignacy Niemczycki.
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