Europe Must Prepare For Tough Negotiations Even With Long-Standing Partners - Official

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, Feb 4 (KUNA) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that Europe must be prepared for difficult negotiations, even with long-standing partners, referring to the United States, whose President Donald trump has threatened to impose tariffs on European products.
Von der Leyen emphasized in a speech before EU ambassadors gathered in Brussels the need for an "open and pragmatic approach" to achieve this, adding, "But we will make equally clear that we will always protect our interests by any means necessary whenever it is required."
She said, "Europe must face the world as it is," adding that some "do not like this new, tougher reality, which is more dependent on the principle of reciprocity."
She stressed that decisions should be made free of any "emotions or nostalgia for a world that is gone but based on a calculated assessment of what serves our own interest."
At the same time, she affirmed the importance of the EU-US partnership and the need to make it work "not only because of our historical ties, but simply because it is an economically smart choice." She called for collaboration in areas where EU and US interests align, such as vital supply chains and emerging technologies.
She added, "I want to be clear: Europe will work to protect its economic and national security. But it is important to strike the right balance; one that focuses on positive tools of economic diplomacy, such as trade, investment, innovation, and production. We want to avoid a global race to the bottom, as it serves no one's interests. This should be our primary focus, even as we prepare for all possible scenarios."
EU leaders had warned President Trump in a meeting in Brussels on Monday that they are prepared to retaliate if he imposes tariffs on their exports to the United States.
This exchange follows Trump's decision to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting China to respond in kind. He also announced a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico before delaying the decision for 30 days. (end)
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