The first meeting between the European Union (EU) and the United States in the middle of the tariff pause has ended “very few advances” and With Washington without having your position clear. This has been explained by sources from the European Commission after the meeting between the EU Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, the United States Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnik, and the commercial responsible, Jamieson L. Greer.
Although Sefcovic spokesman Olof Gill has ruled out that the conversation, which lasted about two hours, was “a dialogue of deaf”, has influenced the need for “a clearer idea what are the results they prefer In these negotiations. “In addition, he has emphasized that” the EU is doing its part “, but that it is necessary that” the United States defines its position. “
Thus, the conversations will continue “at the expert level” with a view to continuing “exploring the land”, but without having A short -term fixed date For a new conversation between both parties.
The European Union insists on “zero tariffs” although it does not rule out other roads
The objective, according to SEFCOVIC is to look for “a mutual solution to the Unjustified tariffs“However, on the part of the United States this does not seem to be the case. In fact, Trump has announced that it will impose new tariffs” probably in one or two months “to pharmaceutical products and chips imports.
For its part, the European Union insists on addressing a “fair agreement” and a regime of “zero tariffs”, including cars. Although “too We are willing to look at other areas“Like the” non -tariff barriers “, as long as the United States puts on your part. While on this measure SEFCOVIC has not given details.
It is Sefcovic’s third visit to the United States since Donald Trump took power. Therefore, the secretary has asked “patience” Because “it is only the second day of a 90 -day opportunity window”, since reciprocal tariffs are suspended until July 14.
Von der Leayen will resume the countermeasures if the negotiation is frustrated
Even so, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has warned that if the negotiation is frustrated, the countermeasures that Europe has paused, They will start. Meanwhile, they still think of the second batch of reprisals for 25% of cars tariffs.
The EU’s countermeasted plan to deal with tariffs affects US exports for a value of up to 26,000 million of euros.
“The EU will continue to address these conversations constructivelywith a view to identifying areas of common interest. (…) We want to guarantee our citizens that their health, their well -being and security, also in the digital world, are not at stake, “Sefcovic has concluded.
