Brussels – Concerns over American tariffs at 30 percent were expressed by Europeans. This statement was made on Monday in Brussels by Vladimír Šimoňák, State Secretary of the Slovak Republic’s Ministry of Economy, following a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council focused on trade. This was reported by TASR correspondent.
Šimoňák indicated that trade relations between the EU and the USA were the primary focus of discussions, although the ministers also noted the completion of lengthy trade negotiations with Indonesia announced on Sunday.
He emphasized that all member states and ministers were aware of Trump’s letter regarding the potential 30 percent tariff, excluding cars, which are subject to a 27.5 percent rate. This poses a similar threat to the 30 percent tariffs. “There are significant concerns regarding these American tariffs,” stated Šimoňák.
The EU’s potential response to Trump’s proposal was discussed with the ministers by Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade. Šimoňák noted that the disappointment over Trump’s letter was felt not only among ministers but also by Šefčovič, who serves as the EU’s chief negotiator with the US.
“We were disappointed by that letter as we believed negotiations were progressing positively and an agreement with the United States was within reach. However, we are now faced with the reality that these tariffs will be implemented starting August 1. That said, we are not ceasing communication with the USA; negotiations will continue,” he explained.
Šimoňák confirmed that the sentiment within Europe is that if negotiations with the USA do not yield outcomes that align with EU interests, unilateral measures may be necessary to protect those interests. He pointed out that the European Commission has been in discussions with member states for several months about possible countermeasure packages and that these consultations will now be expedited.
In comments to TASR, he specified that the automotive industry is the top priority within these consultations. However, the discussions are quite technical, covering thousands of items that require analysis, and the implications of any retaliatory measures are being thoroughly evaluated.
“We appreciate having American partners for technical discussions. Whether these discussions are beneficial at the highest political level is another question. President Trump has chosen this communication style; it is his decision, and we must prioritize our own interests,” he articulated the EU’s stance.
The decision by Brussels to delay the implementation of countermeasures until August 1 is viewed not as a concession but as an opportunity to facilitate negotiations. (July 14)
“We were disappointed by that letter because we were convinced that the negotiations were developing in a significantly better direction and that we had some agreement with the United States on the horizon. At this moment, however, we are facing the reality that these tariffs will be applied from August 1.” Vladimír Šimoňák
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