EPP group rejects US tariffs, defends global trade

Martin Banks
Credit: eppgroup

The EPP Group in the EU parliament says it

“firmly rejects any approach that undermines global trade rules or threatens Europe’s key industries.”

This comes in llight of the recent announcements by US President Trump on tariffs.

The Group is now urging the European Commission to

“stand firm and defend the integrity of the rules-based trading system.”

Comment on the issue comes from Jörgen Warborn MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on International Trade.

Warborn stated:

“A worrying message from President Trump. No one benefits from high tariffs. It’s important to keep a cool head and act in a united manner. Regardless of how we proceed, this is yet another sign of the uncertainty European companies face in the American market. Ratifying the trade agreements with Mercosur and Mexico – while accelerating negotiations with other partners – has become even more urgent.”

Further comment comes from Željana Zovko, who is Vice-Chair of the EPP Group and the Group’s negotiator for EU–US trade in the Parliament’s Trade Committee.

The MEP added: “Protecting our key sectors is not optional – it is essential if we want the EU to remain a credible and respected player on the global stage.

“The proposed 30% US tariffs are unjustified and risk harming both sides of the Atlantic. European businesses deserve clarity, predictability, and open markets – but also firm protection against unfair practices. It is crucial to act preventively and continue strong dialogue and engagement. We must also stand united in defending multilateralism and the rules-based international order, which are the foundation of fair and sustainable global trade.”

The EPP Group  said it stresses that the transatlantic partnership must be based on

“fairness and respect for rules, not on unilateral pressure.”

A statement said,

“A strong and competitive Europe depends on a clear, enforceable trade framework, not quick fixes.”

The EPP Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 188 Members from all EU Member States

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Martin Banks is an experienced British-born journalist who has been covering the EU beat (and much else besides) in Brussels since 2001. Previously, he had worked for many years in regional journalism in the UK and freelanced for national titles. He has a keen interest in foreign affairs and has closely followed the workings of the European Parliament and MEPs in particular for some years.
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