How to react in case of non -agreement on the duties: the dilemma that shakes the EU

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Brussels – It is a subtle ridge that traveled by the European Union in its painful commercial negotiations with the United States. However, There is certainly a consent between the twenty -seven to quickly find an agreement of principle with Washington. In addition, in order to avoid a harmful economic war. Consequently, If there is no room for an understanding. Therefore, the member countries should decide whether and how to respond to the American unilateral choices. On this front, the debate between the twenty -seven is still open.

He had explained a community spokesman on Friday evening: “The EU position was clear from the beginning: we are in favor of a negotiated solution with the United States. and this remains our priority. Progress was made to a how react case non -agreement general agreement during the last cycle of negotiations held this week. ⁠ After having discussed the progress of the matter with our Member States. the European Commission will return to discuss again with the United States on the weekend ».

We know the object of the negotiation. Currently duties are decided at the time by the Trump Administration: 50% on steel. aluminum, 25% on cars, and 10% on a whole series of other products. In the absence of understanding, the White House threatened further rates up to 50%. The latest diplomatic meetings between the twenty-seven have shown growing consensus in view of a rapid-four agreement. which puts an end to the uncertainty of the last few months.

According to the information collected yesterday in Brussels. the European Commission itself is pushing on the twenty -seven to accept a quick understanding (which would then be negotiated in detail). However, a diplomat how react case non -agreement noticed yesterday: “There is still too much confusion on the terms” of a possible compromise. Moreover, he added, “an agreement of principle may not suspend the heavy sectoral duties, pending one or more definitive agreements. And this would be a problem ».

On Wednesday 9 July the period of grace will fall with which the American president Donald Trump suspended the so -called mutual. horizontal duties for 90 days, announced in April. In recent days. the White House has announced a series of commercial measures against a dozen partners with which the negotiation is slow. Threat for the future, in the case of non -understanding, or blackmail for the present, during the negotiation? Probably both.