BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Monday that Berlin and Paris will negotiate a unified strategy to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats ahead of a meeting of the bloc’s 27 leaders in Brussels this week.
On Sunday, the office of French President Emmanuel Macron requested the European Union to activate the bloc’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, known as the trade bazooka. Germany, which relies more heavily on trade with the U.S. than France, has shown reluctance to confront Washington strongly.
“France is differently impacted by the American tariffs than we are, and I understand that the French government and President want a more robust reaction than we do,” Merz stated. “However, we are working towards and will succeed in finding a joint stance before facing the European Council.”
Merz emphasized his intention to deescalate tensions, partially by aiming to meet with Trump in Davos on Wednesday. Yet, he noted the EU would be prepared to respond if necessary, leaving all options on the table.
“We possess a range of tools, and we concur that we do not wish to use them. But should it become necessary, we will. How extensively and intensely depends on the evolving situation with the U.S. government,” the center-right chancellor explained.
Leave a Reply