The EU is ready for an agreement with the US on tariffs, and negotiations are still ongoing. This is what the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said at a joint press conference in Aarhus with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S).
- We want a negotiated solution, but at the same time we are preparing for the possibility that it may end without a satisfactory solution. In that case, we are preparing countermeasures, says Ursula von der Leyen.
The announcement comes just days before Trump's tariff break expires on July 9
- You never know when an agreement will be reached. We hope that it will be successful by July 9 at the latest, says Ursula von der Leyen.
She states that the EU is now focusing on getting an agreement in principle in place. This means that the idea of making a detailed agreement with the Trump administration for all areas is abandoned.
- Europe's total trade with the US is so large that we want an agreement in principle. Because you can't reach a detailed agreement in 90 days, says Ursula von der Leyen, referring to the fact that Trump put part of the announced tariffs on hold for 90 days to give time for negotiations.
The President of the European Commission also refers to the fact that the UK also chose to enter into an agreement in principle with the Trump administration in an attempt to avert additional tariffs.
According to the President of the Commission, the Commission is still considering "all means and instruments" in connection with a counter-tariff if an agreement cannot be reached. Among other things, she mentions a "rebalancing" list, which could affect American goods.
She also says that she hopes that the Danish EU presidency will help negotiate more trade agreements with third countries before the end of the year. Here she mentions agreements with the Mercosur member countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay), Mexico and India.
According to von der Leyen, this can help create more stability for the European market despite the US tariffs on European goods.
DI: Right signal
According to the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), Ursula von der Leyen is sending the right signal to the USA at the press conference.
- They are prepared to conclude an agreement that can ensure the best possible conditions for European business and create more security for planning into the future, says Lukas Lausen, head of global trade and investment at DI.
But the EU Commission should not conclude an agreement at any price.
- It would be wrong for European companies and jobs if an agreement weakens their competitiveness against American companies, says Lausen.
Therefore, DI supports an "appropriate response", if a trade deal does not fall into place.
Updated July 4, 8:15
/ritzau/
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