
EU prioritises negotiated solution with US on tariffs
In the first European response to US President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs on the EU, von der Leyen stated that very few economies in the world match the European Union's openness and commitment to fair trade practices.
She added that the EU has consistently prioritised a negotiated solution with the United States, reflecting its commitment to dialogue, stability and a constructive transatlantic partnership.
Von der Leyen stressed that the EU continues to work towards reaching an agreement by 1st August, while also preparing to take all necessary steps to safeguard its interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.
She concluded, 'At the same time, we continue to deepen our global partnerships, grounded in the principles of rules-based international trade.'
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The National
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In a letter to Ms Kallas, they pointed out that there had been no follow-up after a statement by the EU Commission issued in January saying it would do so. "This discrepancy, in my opinion, will impact the way the international community perceives the EU and its standing, especially in its geopolitical relations with the [Global] South," Ms Jadou said. "We see that when there are other conflicts in Europe, the EU takes a very strong stance. But when the conflict is outside Europe, then the EU hesitates to take strong steps." At the same time, the EU is the biggest financial contributor to the Palestinian Authority, with a €1.6 billion ($1.75 billion) package announced in April. It views the organisation as the only viable option to replace Hamas rule in Gaza though it has called for governing reforms. "We're grateful to the EU for taking such a step," Ms Jadou said. "I also think that the EU should not restrict itself to a financial role but to a more active political role in line with international law, and with its values and principles." Yet another issue that will be raised by Ms Shahin in Brussels will be the blockage of taxes collected by Israel on behalf of the PA by Israel's far-right Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. Ms Jadou added that she hoped more European countries would recognise Palestinian statehood, as France and Saudi Arabia prepare to co-chair a UN conference on the two-state solution. So far, 11 EU countries have recognised Palestine. European diplomats welcomed last week's deal and said that while they would look closely at its implementation by Israel, it was unlikely that any further decisions would be made on Tuesday. Ms Kallas had also circulated a paper outlining 10 possible retaliatory options to Israel's human rights breaches. They included a full suspension of relations, which necessitates an unlikely consensus from the EU's 27 countries. Decisions based on a qualified majority vote, such as suspending preferential trade relations, Israel's participation in the Erasmus+ student exchange or Horizon academic research programmes, were also listed. Ms Jadou said that while she backed a full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, she understood this was impossible because it would be vetoed by a number of member states. But other options outlined in Ms Kallas option paper should remain on the table. "Why should the EU be complicit in the crimes that Israel is committing?" Ms Jadou said. Speaking ahead of the meeting, a senior EU diplomat said the options paper would be discussed, but declined to elaborate on further steps. "Whether the discussion on Tuesday will lead to concrete decision on specific measures, I don't know," he said.