Europe on the Brink: German Minister Urges United Front Against Trump’s Tariffs
In a fiery speech that shook Berlin, Germany’s outgoing Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, didn’t hold back in his condemnation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff measures. Labeling them as “the most disruptive tariff hike in 90 years,” Habeck called for Europe and its allies to join forces and push back against the unjust policies imposed by the Trump administration.
Habeck didn’t mince his words when he stated, “The logical consequence is: then he needs to feel the pressure. Trump only folds when he’s under pressure.” The call for action comes as Trump imposed a blanket 10 percent levy on all U.S. imports, with even steeper rates for dozens of countries, pushing the EU to face a hefty 20 percent tariff.
The European Union is gearing up for a fight, preparing detailed countermeasures to combat the unjust tariffs. Habeck revealed a classified draft list of targeted American goods, emphasizing that the response would be strategic and product-specific, aiming for a broad impact.
But Habeck’s message transcends mere retaliation; he sees this as a pivotal moment for global trade, urging Europe to seek new alliances. “An alliance with Canada and Mexico is the order of the day,” he declared, highlighting ongoing talks with these countries during the Hannover Messe trade fair. Habeck underscored the importance of unity, stating, “This is about defending the idea of fair, rules-based global trade.”
Moreover, Habeck criticized Trump’s rationale for the tariffs, stating, “The core assumption is wrong. The U.S. has profited enormously from globalization.” He warned of the potential global economic repercussions, with German estimates suggesting that U.S. growth could plummet by 1.9 percent if the tariffs persist, risking triggering recessions worldwide.
As tensions escalate and the threat of economic downturn looms large, Habeck’s call for unity, pragmatism, and pressure resonates across Europe. The time to stand up against unjust tariffs and defend the principles of fair trade has never been more critical.