EU Leaders Respond to US Tariffs Amidst Global Trade Tensions
European officials decry the broader implications of recently announced tariffs by the US, highlighting the need for cohesive regional policies.
Brussels – The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on European products has prompted a strong response from European officials.
Kata Tutto, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), characterized the situation as a shift from a system built on order to one approaching chaos.
Speaking the morning after the White House decision, Tutto emphasized the potential global ramifications of such trade measures, stating, "It seems that the world is moving from a system of order to chaos, as evidenced by what happened last night."
During a plenary session attended by local government representatives from across Europe, officials sought to project calm while asserting the importance of maintaining firm convictions in the face of external pressures.
Tutto reiterated, "Cooperation always wins in the long run," indicating a clear intent to promote unity within Europe as a counter to the current stance of the US administration.
In light of these developments, the discussion has shifted towards the EU’s cohesion policy and the structural funds that support it.
The European Commission is currently reviewing its priorities to effectively respond to emerging challenges linked to global trade uncertainties.
Raffaele Fitto, the Executive Vice President of the EU Commission responsible for Cohesion and Reform, identified five new priorities that will guide future investments and policy adjustments.
The first of these priorities focuses on enhancing competitiveness as a direct response to the potential economic fallout from the newly imposed tariffs.
The additional priorities include defense, housing, water management, and energy transition.
Fitto urged for an expeditious amendment of proposals that would allow for a reallocation of cohesion funds, aiming for approval by the end of the year, with operational implementation targeted for 2026. On the topic of defense, Fitto addressed ongoing concerns about the use of cohesion funds, stating, "You cannot buy weapons with cohesion money, only to invest in companies in the sector to create jobs and be more competitive," underscoring a commitment to job creation within the defense sector as a vital component of the EU's response strategy.
Kata Tutto, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), characterized the situation as a shift from a system built on order to one approaching chaos.
Speaking the morning after the White House decision, Tutto emphasized the potential global ramifications of such trade measures, stating, "It seems that the world is moving from a system of order to chaos, as evidenced by what happened last night."
During a plenary session attended by local government representatives from across Europe, officials sought to project calm while asserting the importance of maintaining firm convictions in the face of external pressures.
Tutto reiterated, "Cooperation always wins in the long run," indicating a clear intent to promote unity within Europe as a counter to the current stance of the US administration.
In light of these developments, the discussion has shifted towards the EU’s cohesion policy and the structural funds that support it.
The European Commission is currently reviewing its priorities to effectively respond to emerging challenges linked to global trade uncertainties.
Raffaele Fitto, the Executive Vice President of the EU Commission responsible for Cohesion and Reform, identified five new priorities that will guide future investments and policy adjustments.
The first of these priorities focuses on enhancing competitiveness as a direct response to the potential economic fallout from the newly imposed tariffs.
The additional priorities include defense, housing, water management, and energy transition.
Fitto urged for an expeditious amendment of proposals that would allow for a reallocation of cohesion funds, aiming for approval by the end of the year, with operational implementation targeted for 2026. On the topic of defense, Fitto addressed ongoing concerns about the use of cohesion funds, stating, "You cannot buy weapons with cohesion money, only to invest in companies in the sector to create jobs and be more competitive," underscoring a commitment to job creation within the defense sector as a vital component of the EU's response strategy.
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