US Tariffs: Quote by Anna Cavazzini
Anna Cavazzini, Chair of the Internal Market Committee (IMCO) and Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur on EU-US trade relations (INTA), responds to the announcement of yet another round of unjustified US tariffs on Wednesday, April 2:
"Donald Trump’s crusade against common sense demands a strong and united European response. Jobs are at risk, companies, workers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic will be the first to feel the impact. Europe must strike back where it hurts Trump the most, whether in the digital sector or in industries central to his political base.
“These tariffs are so extreme that targeted counter tariffs alone will not be enough. The EU has the tools to fight back, and now is the time to use them. A European digital tax would hit Trump’s closest allies and raise money to help affected sectors. The EU’s anti-coercion instrument allows us to restrict American companies’ access to European banking, insurance, and capital markets, exclude US bidders from EU public contracts, or limit advertising on US social media platforms. Every option must be considered and applied strategically. This is how we create domestic political pressure in the US to put an end to this reckless trade war.
“Trump’s oligarchic nationalism and the European model are in systemic competition. We must use every available tool to defend our values. At the same time, this is an opportunity to attract businesses and talent to Europe. To make the most of it, we must stay committed to our green and digital transformation, enforce strong sustainability and technology regulations, and protect our economy from unfair competition, particularly from China."
