Strasbourg – The European Union (EU) should respond to the introduction of American tariffs together and unitedly so that its response has meaning. This was agreed upon by Slovak Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) across political groups, reports a TASR correspondent from Strasbourg.
EP Vice President Martin Hojsík (Renew Europe/RE) pointed out that even in Slovakia, many politicians of the ruling coalition perceived Donald Trump as hope and “catered to him,” although it is now clear that Trump’s actions threaten jobs in Slovakia, and the European Commission (EC), with which the Slovak government also does not always have the best relations, is trying to address the situation.
“To withstand American tariffs, European cooperation is essential. We must be united and able to agree on a common approach. We have the tools, we can introduce retaliatory tariffs, and for the Euro Commission to be able to negotiate, it is important to have the support of member states. Because Trump wants to divide and rule,” he described the situation.
Therefore, the Slovak government should play this game together with Brussels, as this cooperation will best protect Slovakia. In this context, he expressed hope that both parties would agree and not “do bad things,” but the EP does not give the Euro Commission a “blank check” in terms of countermeasures, as retaliatory steps must not harm the interests of Slovakia and member states.
Katarína Roth Neveďalová (independent/Smer-SD) stated that what Trump threatens doesn’t always apply, and he leaves room for negotiations, as in the case of Mexico and Canada. “The EU should try to reverse this decision by the United States, and the second thing we can do is introduce retaliatory measures, which European leaders discussed in Brussels last week,” she said. She believes that the EU states will quickly agree on retaliatory tariffs, but the primary effort should be to reverse the American tariffs that have already been imposed and from which the EU received an exemption in the past.
“We are stronger together, but there might be an opportunity for some member states to make individual agreements. It would be unorthodox; we must proceed together, as that was the leaders’ agreement at the informal summit. I believe that we will manage to find a common position for the whole of Europe, so as not to break what we have built,” she stated.
Lucia Yar (Renew Europe/PS) claims that Trump’s intention is to divide Europe and now it is a game of “who is stronger.” Trump is asking Europe to give up Greenland, some social media regulations backed by his friends, and is now introducing tariffs.
“It is up to us whether and where we will concede. If it will be tariffs, for Slovakia this is a huge problem. If he tries to divide the EU and gives Slovakia a ten percent tariff and Hungary three percent, for him it is a tactic but for us a crazy matter. Unity is the most important tool that we have in the EU,” she emphasized.
The EU operates on the basis of a single market, but according to the MEP, Trump doesn’t care about that; he doesn’t perceive whether something is possible or not, and he behaves towards the Union like he does to other countries and regions. “If we think that he will be humble towards the EU and not come with the highest stake, we are wrong. We must react unequivocally and unitedly,” she clarified. (February 12)
“To withstand American tariffs, European cooperation is essential. We must be united and able to agree on a common approach. We have the tools, we can introduce retaliatory tariffs, and for the Euro Commission to be able to negotiate, it is important to have the support of member states. Because Trump wants to divide and rule.” Martin Hojsík
