EU Ready to Defend Trade Interests Against U.S., Considers Tech Tariffs

Luxembourg - The European Union is prepared to use all available tools to defend its trade interests against the United States, according to EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. Speaking after a meeting of EU trade ministers, Sefcovic emphasized the need to protect the EU's single market. The EU has proposed a mutual tariff exemption on industrial goods to the U.S. However, member states differ on potential retaliatory measures if negotiations fail, including targeting U.S. tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, or Meta. Some countries, like Ireland and the Baltic states, are wary due to their dependence on U.S. investment and security, while France and Germany advocate for a firm response. The EU has an "anti-coercion instrument" to deter economic pressure, allowing for measures like freezing access to public markets or blocking investments.