Bratislava – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) commended European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič for negotiating a 15% tariff on European goods imported to the USA. However, the Slovak opposition views the tariffs as a failure. They argue that the tariff hikes will particularly harm Slovakia’s automotive sector, diminishing competitiveness and potentially leading to job losses, as reported by TASR.
Prime Minister Robert Fico took to social media to congratulate Maroš Šefčovič on securing a trade agreement with the USA, deeming the 15% tariffs on European imports a positive outcome. Yet, he acknowledged that “the devil is in the details.”
The EU has yielded to Donald Trump’s pressure, and Slovakia will pay the highest price for it
The opposition party PS criticized the EU-US trade agreement, asserting it is detrimental to Europe, Slovakia, and its economy. PS leader Michal Šimečka claimed that Slovakia bears the brunt of the 15% tariffs on cars, stating, “Instead of advocating for our key industry, Prime Minister Fico is celebrating. I will call on the European Commission in Parliament to evaluate the agreement’s impact on various sectors and recommend measures for those at a disadvantage, like our automotive industry.”
According to Igor Matovič, the leader of Slovakia, the 15% tariff agreement is not a cause for celebration. “Paying 15% on our exports results in fewer jobs, lower wages, and higher unemployment. Europe will suffer, but Slovakia will bear the most significant burden,” Matovič remarked.
Veronika Remišová, chairwoman of Za ľudí, cautioned that the heightened tariffs will undermine the competitiveness of Slovakia’s automotive industry. “This translates to reduced production, diminished exports, job losses, economic decline, and a lower quality of life for citizens,” she emphasized, noting that while other nations secured exemptions on certain goods, Slovakia failed to obtain any such concessions.
The SaS party deemed the tariff increase a setback for all citizens, stating, “The 15% increase is a defeat for everyone—both Europeans and Americans. Americans will pay more, and Europeans will have reduced job opportunities. It’s simply a loss for all,” asserted MP Marián Viskupič (SaS).
The KDH opposition party acknowledged the importance of reaching an agreement with the USA, yet they do not regard the 15% tariff level, despite being lower than initially proposed, as a victory. “Unfortunately, the EU, represented by Commissioner Šefčovič, could not secure a better deal. The tariffs on cars and other products at a rate of 15% remain too high and pose a significant risk to Slovakia’s automotive sector given the strong euro against the dollar,” KDH stated. They emphasized the need for the EU to work towards eliminating these tariffs in the future.
The trade agreement was disclosed by the European Commission and US President Donald Trump on Sunday evening (July 27) following extensive negotiations. (July 28)
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