France is pushing the European Commission to take a tougher stance against Washington in transatlantic trade talks, warning that the EU must be ready to act if U.S. President Donald Trump refuses to ease tariffs ahead of the August 1 deadline.
The French government is urging Brussels to adopt a firmer negotiating position in its ongoing trade talks with the United States, warning that failure to do so could undermine Europe’s credibility and economic interests.
A French official involved in trade policy said negotiators must “make it clear that we’re ready to press the red button” if no deal is reached with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose 30% tariffs on all EU goods—triple the current 10% rate—if talks fail by August 1.
Paris believes the European Commission should stop treating Washington as a benign ally, given that the trade war was reignited by Trump’s return to power earlier this year. “We’re dealing with an ally who is raising tensions in a trade war it started,” another French official said.
The warning comes as French President Emmanuel Macron prepares to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday. While Berlin favours quick concessions to shield Germany’s export-heavy economy, France is holding out for a deal that protects long-term European interests.
“France wants the Commission’s negotiating method to evolve,” the French economy ministry said. “The goal should not be to reach an agreement at any price.”
French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci is due to meet industry leaders on Tuesday and will urge stronger EU resistance in talks with his German and Italian counterparts later this week.
Meanwhile, Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin has advocated using the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument and hinted at broader retaliatory measures against U.S. services, though some member states remain wary of escalation.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who visited Washington last week for his fourth round of talks since February, told EU diplomats on Friday that while a deal had not yet been struck, negotiations were ongoing.
Suhail Shaheen, Afghanistan’s ambassador in Doha, has again urged the United Nations to transfer Afghanistan’s seat at the UN to the Taliban-led a...
The Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami unveiled that the country’s civilian nuclear program has been the target of i...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he would have a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Uk...
Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics even if a peace deal is reached with Ukraine, In...
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to come to the aid of protesters in Iran if security forces fire on them, days into unrest that has l...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he would have a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia as well as issues surrounding Gaza.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 2nd of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Democrat Zohran Mamdani officially took office as New York City’s mayor on Thursday, beginning his term with a public swearing-in ceremony on the steps of City Hall.
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of targeting civilians during New Year attacks, as intensified fighting coincided with U.S.-led efforts to push both sides towards ending the nearly four-year war.
Dozens of people are feared dead and around 100 others injured after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, authorities said.
At least 47 people were killed and 112 injured after a fire broke out at a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Italian media on Thursday.
India has approved a major arms deal with Israel valued at approximately $8.7 billion, highlighting the deepening defence partnership between the two countries.
India and Pakistan on Thursday exchanged lists of nuclear facilities as well as civilian prisoners, under long-standing bilateral agreements, according to official statements from both countries.
Ukraine’s military said on Thursday that its strikes are aimed solely at Russian military and energy infrastructure, following claims from Russian authorities that a drone attack killed civilians in southern Ukraine’s Kherson region.
Suhail Shaheen, Afghanistan’s ambassador in Doha, has again urged the United Nations to transfer Afghanistan’s seat at the UN to the Taliban-led administration, arguing the current arrangement no longer reflects realities in the country.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he would have a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia as well as issues surrounding Gaza.
Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics even if a peace deal is reached with Ukraine, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said in an interview with an Italian newspaper.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 2nd of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Venezuela’s government has released 88 more people detained after protests following last year’s presidential election, the second mass release in two weeks, as pressure mounts from the United States on President Nicolás Maduro.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment