Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
During a public debate with the European Commission and the Council of Member States on the European Union's response to US trade measures, Irashi García, Chair of the Socialist Democratic Party (SDP) political group, the second largest group in the European Parliament, called for the EU to take a firm position in negotiations with Trump regarding tariffs, while countermeasures are suspended for up to 90 days. She also emphasized that certain laws should not be subject to negotiation, such as digital rules, taxes, and safety standards. According to a statement distributed in Brussels, a copy of which we received, Irashi García said:
"Donald Trump and his worldview pose a direct threat not only to international trade, but also to our democracies. His unjustified tariffs, his threats to industries, and his constant blackmail are the clearest manifestations of authoritarian economic nationalism that disregards international law and cooperation.
"The EU must negotiate with Trump from a firm position, not forgetting the non-negotiable issues: digital rules, taxes, and safety standards. If necessary, it must respond with the same force with which we are attacked. Our workers, consumers, and businesses are our priority, along with defending the rules-based international order and a strong and reformed World Trade Organization.
"These are our steadfast principles: the rule of law and European legislation. We are a unique model. We cannot accept blackmail to change the progress we have made, such as the welfare state, equality, and sustainability.
We have the necessary tools, and we must use them: imposing targeted tariffs on strategic US sectors and on Trump's economic and political interests; imposing sanctions and taxes on big tech companies that violate our rules; and excluding US companies from European public procurement. Using the anti-coercion mechanism would allow us to act effectively and be in a better position to negotiate.
At the same time, we must also strengthen the domestic market, increase domestic demand, and support the industries and regions most affected by this trade war with a direct aid plan. And let's not forget that the world is bigger than Trump—80% of our exports go to other markets. We need to diversify our alliances and make progress on the agreements under negotiation.