EU Deputy Foreign Affairs meet today (14.7.25) to discuss US threats of US President of the US Donald Trump for duties 30% in European products and relations between the EU – USA.
During his attempt at the Council, European Commissioner Maros Sefsovic said it was one of the most important meetings, expressing Europe’s frustration for Trump’s duties. “The EU believed it was close to agreement with the US,” the commissioner said.
“The solution through negotiations is much better than the intensity we may have,” said Maros Sefcovic, noting characteristically, “let’s be honest, an idea for 30% duties is essentially prohibitive for mutual trade.”
“The current uncertainty, caused by unjustified duties, cannot continue indefinitely and, therefore, we must prepare for all results, including, if necessary, well -studied, proportional countermeasures to restore balance to our transatlantic relationship.”
To continue the negotiations on the new August 1 deadline, the Commissioner stressed that “we remain convinced that our transatlantic relationship is worth a solution with negotiation”. As he made known, he will have talks with his American counterparts throughout the day. “I intend to talk to my US counterparts again later today, as I can’t imagine leaving without real effort,” said EU negotiations on trade duties.
“We are showing enormous patience and creativity to find solutions,” he said, referring to significant changes in trade and serious negative consequences on both sides of the Atlantic if duties remain at 30%.
Today’s decisions
In today’s Council, ministers will discuss the next steps and focus on four areas, negotiations and the strong unity required behind continuous negotiations, balancing measures, commitment with similar partners and differentiation.
He focused on commercial cooperation with Indonesia, announced yesterday, Sunday, the President of the European Commission with the President of Indonesia. “Indonesia is one of the world’s largest economies with 1.2 trillion GDP. euro. It is the 5th largest EU trading partner in Southeast Asia and a rapidly growing market with over 280 million people. In this case too, our agreement will change the data by raising EU-Indonissia’s commercial and investment relations to a completely new level. “
“We have always been talking to our big commercial partners, especially those of the G7. I think now what is happening is that there is this new sense of urgency, because first of all this is just about the gates. That’s how we talk a lot between us, “he said.