Customs Duties: French and German Economists Urge EU to Take a Strong Stance

Paris – The Franco-German Council of Economic Experts (CFAEE) released a statement on Tuesday outlining recommendations for the EU in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement on April 2 regarding a 10% increase in tariffs, with even steeper hikes in specific sectors, alongside “reciprocal tariffs” that could reach up to 20% for the EU, aimed at countries with trade surpluses with the United States.

 On April 9, facing market concerns over the U.S. economy, President Trump declared a three-month pause on these tariffs.

In light of this “unilateral, aggressive, and erratic” American approach, as described by Xavier Jaravel, Deputy President of the Council of Economic Analysis (CAE), who also co-chairs the CFAEE, the EU must take a proactive stance in defending the international trading system, according to the statement.

If, after the moratorium ends in July, the “reciprocal” tariffs persist, the EU may need to implement “draconian” retaliatory measures to showcase its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, the statement warns. (May 13, 2025)


Comments

9 responses to “Customs Duties: French and German Economists Urge EU to Take a Strong Stance”

  1. Wild Tesla Avatar
    Wild Tesla

    Oh, brilliant! Just what we needed—more tariffs to spice up our lives! Because who doesn’t love paying extra for everything while watching the trade wars unfold like a bad soap opera? 😂💸

  2. silver rose Avatar
    silver rose

    Oh, fantastic, just what we needed—a game of economic chicken with Uncle Sam! 😏 Let’s hope our esteemed economists can outwit a reality TV star; otherwise, we might be serving croissants in exchange for goods next! 🥐💸

  3. high woo Avatar
    high woo

    Look at that! The Eurocrats are finally ready to flex their muscles over a bit of tariff tussle—who knew they had any left? 😂 Let’s all hold hands and sing “Kumbaya” while we figure out how to retaliate with the grace of a ballet dancer in a mud pit. 🐷💃

  4. Treasure Devil Avatar
    Treasure Devil

    Looks like the economic brainiacs are back at it, telling the EU to flex its muscles while trying to keep a straight face—how charming! 🤦‍♂️ Let’s hope they don’t pull a muscle in the process, or we might end up with tariffs higher than my taxi fare! 🤑

  5. toy town Avatar
    toy town

    Aha, the Franco-German duo is back at it again, playing economic chess while the rest of us are stuck in checkers mode. 🤷‍♂️ Maybe if they paint their tariffs in fancy colors, the US will take them seriously—because art always wins the day, right? 🎨💸

  6. Whip Chu Avatar
    Whip Chu

    Oh sure, because nothing says “strong economy” quite like a game of tariff ping-pong with a side of diplomatic drama. Can’t wait for the EU’s next step: a sternly worded letter with a nice cup of tea on the side. 🍵💼

  7. Esquire Avatar
    Esquire

    Looks like the EU’s got its knickers in a twist over a bit of tariff tango with Uncle Sam! 🤦‍♂️ Who knew defending sovereignty could be such a riveting spectator sport? 🍿

  8. Killer Merlot Avatar
    Killer Merlot

    So, the EU is gearing up to play the tough guy against the U.S. tariffs, huh? Like watching a baguette duel with a cheeseburger—both think they’re the main course. 🍔🥖

  9. Koi Diva Avatar
    Koi Diva

    Oh, just what we needed—another round of tariff tennis, because who doesn’t love a bit of economic ping-pong? 🎾 If only we could slap a 10% surcharge on all this nonsense instead! 😏

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

EU Sanctions Individuals Responsible for Alexei Navalny Poisoning

EU Sanctions Individuals Responsible for Alexei Navalny Poisoning

The European Union Council announced on Friday that it has imposed sanctions on six scientists and researchers suspected of participating in the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
“The EU remains fully committed to countering the proliferation and use of chemical weapons,” stated the Council. The sanctions consist of an asset freeze and a travel ban to the EU.
Navalny, consider

Read More

GFL Environmental Considers Going Private Amid Buyout Interest

GFL Environmental Considers Going Private Amid Buyout Interest

Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment

Read More

Rapport de mi-année sur l’exécution du

Rapport de mi-année sur l’exécution du

Press ReleaseThis article is based on a press release or official communication from Wire News Service. The European Times republishes it as a public service.

Laurent-PerrierSociété anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillanceau capital de 22.594.271,80 eurosSiège Social : 32, avenue de Champagne 51150 Tours-sur-MarneRCS Reims B 335 680 096
SEMI-ANNUAL UPDATE
Release Establishing the Semi-A

Read More

Moldova’s Prime Minister Steps Down Amid Scandal Series

Moldova’s Prime Minister Steps Down Amid Scandal Series

Munteanu’s tenure as Moldova’s government head was marred by scandals affecting its ministries and state-owned enterprises.
Last month, Dumitru Vangeli, head of the MOLDATSA civil aviation safety agency, was dismissed after it was found that his university diploma and pilot’s license were forged. On Thursday, Agriculture Ministry State Secretary Tatiana Nistorică was detained on bribery susp

Read More

Purchasing an Existing UK Company vs. Forming a New One

Purchasing an Existing UK Company vs. Forming a New One

London, July 02, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Buy an Existing UK Company is becoming an increasingly popular option for entrepreneurs and overseas investors looking to begin trading quickly in the United Kingdom. Rather than completing the incorporation process from scratch, many business owners choose to purchase an already registered company, commonly known as a shelf company, allowing them to

Read More

President Uchtdorf Hosts Swiss President at Church Headquarters

President Uchtdorf Hosts Swiss President at Church Headquarters

Press ReleaseThis article is based on a press release or official communication. The European Times republishes it as a public service.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcomed the President of the Swiss Confederation to the Church’s global headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Tuesday, Ju

Read More

Spécial Aix : notre Power 40 est là, son budget est déjà las

Spécial Aix : notre Power 40 est là, son budget est déjà las

The American financier, who used modeling agencies as a pool of victims, considered creating or acquiring companies in the industry several times, with the help of various European contacts.

Read More

How Forming a Company Protects Your Personal Assets as a Business Owner

How Forming a Company Protects Your Personal Assets as a Business Owner

London, July 02, 2026 – Brussels Morning Newspaper — Company Formation continues to play a vital role in helping entrepreneurs separate their personal finances from business liabilities as more individuals launch startups and small businesses across the UK. Legal experts say incorporating a business can provide important financial protection while improving credibility with customers, suppliers,

Read More

Renewables Reduce Energy Prices and Mitigate Fossil Fuel Supply Shock Vulnerabilities | Press Releases

Renewables Reduce Energy Prices and Mitigate Fossil Fuel Supply Shock Vulnerabilities | Press Releases

Boosting the use of locally generated renewable electricity is Europe’s optimal strategy to decrease its dependency on unpredictable international energy supplies and escalating energy prices, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment released today.
The spike in global gas prices this year has cost the European Union an additional €13 billion by mid-April, whereas renewab

Read More

Essential Knowledge for First-Time Company Directors Before Business Registration

Essential Knowledge for First-Time Company Directors Before Business Registration

London, July 02, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — First-Time Company Director responsibilities are receiving increased attention as more entrepreneurs choose to register limited companies and launch new businesses. Industry advisers say many new directors focus on registration but underestimate the legal, financial, and compliance obligations that begin immediately after incorporation. Understanding

Read More