The Commission’s final list of countermeasures to address Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs, which took effect on March 12, will not completely align with the projected €26 billion impact on EU exports, according to Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič following the discussions. This is less than initially anticipated, as various EU nations advocated for the removal of certain items—such as Kentucky bourbon—from the original list of targeted goods.
Enough is enough
Countries including France, Germany, and Spain have spearheaded calls for the EU not to exclude any options in negotiations with the U.S. president.
“It is essential to closely examine [the Anti-Coercion Instrument],” stated Germany’s outgoing Economy Minister Robert Habeck as he entered Monday’s meeting. “These measures extend well beyond customs policy. They encompass a wide array of options, including digital services, presenting a broad spectrum of instruments far beyond just a digital tax.”
His Spanish counterpart, Carlos Cuerpo, concurred.
“The Anti-Coercion Instrument is available for us to utilize if deemed necessary. Nonetheless, the EU should convey a positive message today,” Cuerpo shared with POLITICO in an interview. “We must investigate the possibility of utilizing all the tools at our disposal. That is certain. We should not dismiss any options.”
An EU diplomat familiar with the meeting revealed to POLITICO that when Šefčovič conducted a straw poll regarding which options Brussels should pursue, only a small number of EU ministers advocated for keeping all options on the table, including the trade bazooka.
