Paris: European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefcovic is poised to meet with American counterpart Jamieson Greer on Tuesday, prior to the G7 trade ministers' meeting, as efforts are underway to address increasing trade tensions. The discussions are set against the backdrop of the "Turnberry Agreement," signed last July between the European Commission President and the US President, which is still under negotiation within European institutions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meetings come in response to US President Donald Trump's recent announcement about his plans to impose tariffs of up to 25% on European automotive imports. This move has intensified the urgency for dialogue between the two trading partners.
The European Commission, through its spokesperson Thomas Regnier, confirmed on Monday that the Union remains "calm and focused" on implementing the agreement in a way that benefits European companies and citizens. Regnier emphasized that these threats are not unprecedented and that the Union is prepared to manage them.
Though the European Union has reiterated its commitment to the agreement, the Commission has made it clear that all options are open should the United States engage in actions that are deemed "inconsistent" with the deal. Previously, the Union had readied a package of countermeasures affecting £95 billion worth of American imports, which were subsequently suspended.
The agreement still awaits ratification by European governments and the European Parliament. Ongoing negotiations are focused on the specifics of reducing European tariffs on American goods to zero, while ensuring protections against any future unilateral actions or pressure from the US.
