During a plenary debate on the EU response to US trade measures with the Commission and the Council, S&D leader Iratxe García Pérez called for a firm EU position on negotiations with Trump over tariffs, while the countermeasures are on hold for up to 90 days. She also emphasised that some laws shouldn't be up for negotiations such as digital rules, taxation, and safety standards.
Iratxe García said:
"Donald Trump and his worldview are a direct threat not only to international trade, but also to our democracies. His unjustified tariffs, threats to industries, and constant blackmail are the most evident manifestation of authoritarian economic nationalism that disregards international law and cooperation.
"The European Union must negotiate with Trump from a position of firmness and shouldn't forget about the non-negotiables: digital rules, taxation, and safety standards. If needed, it must respond with the same force with which we are attacked. Our workers, consumers, and businesses are our priority, together with the defense of the rules-based international order and a strong, reformed World Trade Organization.
"These are our non-negotiables: the rule of law and European legislation. We are a unique model. We cannot accept blackmail to change the progress we have made, such as the welfare state, equality, or sustainability.
"We have the tools and we must use them: targeted tariffs on strategic US sectors, as well as on Trump's economic and political interests; the adoption of sanctions and taxes on Big Tech companies that violate our rules; and the exclusion of US companies from European public procurement. The use of the anti-coercion instrument should allow us to strike and be in a better position to negotiate.
"At the same time, we must also strengthen the domestic market, boost domestic demand, and support the industries and regions most affected by this trade war with a direct aid plan. And let's not forget that the world is bigger than Trump – 80% of our exports go to other markets. We need to diversify our alliances and make progress on the agreements under negotiation."
