Milan, April 11 (LaPresse) – "America and Europe must stay united and find a common agreement. Together, we represent 50% of global GDP. We can set the rules for tomorrow."
This was stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera by Manfred Weber, president of the European People's Party and group leader of the EPP in Parliament.
"The tariffs imposed by the United States," Weber continued, "are harmful to everyone. So, our message to the United States is: please, stop. The idea is to bring Washington back to the negotiating table for a real and substantive discussion on how to organize long-term trade between Europe and the United States, based on rules and a common understanding.
The European reaction is balanced, so as not to trigger an escalation like the one happening between the United States and China. We are responsible. But it is also clear that Europe cannot be pressured by the U.S. administration. We ask for respect in discussing the matter. That is why I support the countermeasures package on 21 billion dollars of U.S. products approved by the member states and also its suspension for 90 days after Trump’s move."
Regarding Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's trip to Washington next week, Weber stated: "All the channels we have between the European Union and the U.S. administration are useful at this time," because "Italian, French, or German issues with tariffs are a common challenge that we can only solve if we remain united."