Bratislava – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has expressed that the recent high tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imports from Europe by U.S. President Donald Trump demonstrate a lack of confidence in the strength of the European Union (EU). In a video shared on social media, Fico remarked that he anticipates the opposition will hold him and the governing coalition responsible for these elevated tariffs.
Fico believes that the EU’s struggle to compete with the United States could prompt significant actions from major European nations. He outlined several potential outcomes: “Firstly, Europe is likely to increase its purchases of gas and oil from the United States, thereby shifting reliance from one eastern dependency to a western one. Secondly, as noted by NATO’s Secretary-General, Europe will be compelled to pay the U.S. for weapons to support Ukraine. Lastly, Europe will likely consent to a substantial rise in defense spending, facing little opposition,” he stated.
The Prime Minister further pointed out that key European players might look to the American President to reconsider the newly imposed tariffs. “If he chooses not to reverse his decision, we must be aware of the repercussions that these high tariffs on steel and aluminum will have on the EU and Slovakia. We should also explore protective measures that could be implemented, while maintaining our commitment to solid Euro-Atlantic relations,” added Fico.
On February 10, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports without exceptions. In his first term, he had previously enacted tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, but allowed exemptions for several trade partners, including the EU, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Mexico.
In response to the potential U.S. tariffs, the European Commission (EC) stated it would take action against such measures. The EC argued that imposing tariffs would be “illegal and economically counterproductive,” particularly in light of the tightly integrated production chains established between the EU and the U.S. through transatlantic trade and investment partnerships. (February 11)
“If he chooses not to reverse his decision, we must be aware of the repercussions that these high tariffs on steel and aluminum will have on the whole Union and Slovakia, as well as the protective measures we might implement, while ensuring the preservation of quality Euro-Atlantic relations.” Robert Fico.
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