Slovak MEPs support customs negotiations with the USA, but they are also in favor of retaliatory tariffs

Brussels/Strasbourg – Members of the European Parliament (EP), who discussed with representatives of the European Commission and the EU Council on Tuesday (May 6) the need for a unified EU response to new American tariffs, received on Thursday (May 8) a report from the Eurocommission on possible EU countermeasures worth 95 billion euros. TASR contacted Slovak MEPs from various political parties and groups in the EP regarding this topic, but only some of them responded.

The debate in the EP in Strasbourg concerned the need to respond to the decision of the US administration to increase existing tariffs and introduce new ones against EU countries. During the debate, MEPs also addressed the possibility of countermeasures that the EU had already adopted in April and which were later suspended for 90 days in an effort to reach an agreement on trade conditions with the US.

EP Vice-President Miriam Lexmann (EPP, KDH) from the EP Committee on International Trade (INTA) emphasized that it is essential to seek dialogue with the US and find common ground where both sides can respond together to geopolitical, economic, and security threats.

“Of course, we must also defend the interests of EU citizens. On the other hand, we must look within our own ranks and seek solutions to our own trade barriers, deepen the single market, streamline our customs, and stop excessive regulation that is destroying our industry. I believe that in the end, we will find common ground with the US,” the MEP stated.

She also added that regarding trade agreements between the EU and other countries, Europeans must focus on their closest democratic allies for diversification and strengthening relations with them. “However, I strongly warn against any concessions to the Chinese Communist Party. Strengthening relations with this totalitarian country will ultimately undermine our competitiveness, economy, and security,” Lexmann warned.

Ľubica Karvašová (RE, PS), who is a substitute member of the INTA committee, reminded the EP plenary that Trump’s tariffs mean more expensive and less accessible toys for Americans at Christmas. “Economists and analysts did not say this – Donald Trump himself said it,” she pointed out. According to her, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is among those politicians who support Trump. However, it is precisely Slovak companies, car manufacturers, steelworks, their employees, and various subcontractors who may suffer the most from the new American tariffs.

“The government must fight for our companies, and for our citizens, together with the Union; it is not enough to send employees to short-time work,” Karvašová said. She specified that negotiations with the United States must be conducted patiently and that it is in Slovakia’s interest to stand firmly with the EU in these negotiations. And if the negotiating parties do not reach an agreement, the EU must be prepared for taxing American digital giants. “We also want fairness in trade. Digital giants in Europe earn billions of euros. It is fair if we do not reach an agreement,” she stated, referring to their possible taxation by the EU, which will be under the competence of the European Commission. (May 9)