Brussels/Strasbourg – On May 6, European Parliament (EP) members engaged in discussions with representatives from the European Commission and the EU Council about the necessity of a coordinated EU response to the newly proposed American tariffs. Following these discussions, on May 8, the Eurocommission presented a report outlining potential EU countermeasures totaling 95 billion euros. TASR reached out to Slovak MEPs from various political parties for their insights on the matter, but only a few responded.
The debate in Strasbourg centered on the EU’s response to the U.S. administration’s decision to elevate existing tariffs and impose new ones on EU nations. MEPs reviewed previously adopted EU countermeasures that had been suspended for 90 days in hopes of reaching a trade agreement with the United States.
EP Vice-President Miriam Lexmann (EPP, KDH), a member of the EP Committee on International Trade (INTA), stressed the importance of dialogue with the U.S. to find mutual solutions to geopolitical, economic, and security challenges. “We must safeguard the interests of EU citizens, but we also need to address our own internal trade barriers, enhance the single market, streamline customs operations, and reduce excessive regulations that harm our industries. I am optimistic that we can reach a common understanding with the U.S.,” she stated.
Lexmann also highlighted the importance of establishing trade agreements with the EU’s closest democratic allies for diversification and strengthening ties. “However, I caution against making any concessions to the Chinese Communist Party. Building ties with this totalitarian regime will ultimately jeopardize our competitiveness, economy, and security,” she warned.
Ľubica Karvašová (RE, PS), a substitute member of the INTA committee, reminded her fellow MEPs that the tariffs proposed by Trump would lead to higher prices and decreased availability of toys for American consumers during the holiday season. “This isn’t just what economists are saying; Donald Trump himself acknowledged it,” she noted. She pointed out that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) supports Trump, yet it could be Slovak companies, particularly car manufacturers and steelworks, along with their employees and subcontractors, that face the most significant repercussions from these tariffs.
“The government must advocate for our businesses and citizens in solidarity with the EU; merely placing workers on short-time hours is insufficient,” Karvašová emphasized. She underscored the need for patient negotiations with the United States, asserting that Slovakia’s best interest lies in standing firmly alongside the EU during these talks. Should negotiations falter, the EU must be ready to impose taxes on American digital giants. “We seek fairness in trade. Digital giants operating in Europe earn billions, and it’s only fair that we consider taxation if no agreement is reached,” she concluded, noting that such taxation would fall under the jurisdiction of the European Commission. (May 9)
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