After all he has done in his German and community positions, Ursula von der leyen It would not have been re -elected mayor in a small center of 2,000 brandedburg souls. But Europe is far away and therefore fatally out of control.
In this perspective it is clear why the European political classes and their accomplices want a lot strengthen the union and head towards the United States of Europe.
There is a logic – even if aberrant – in the crazy world in which we have fallen.
TheVermilion.com is also on WhatsApp. Simply click here to register for the channel and always be updated (free).
Ursula’s match on duties
The European approach: caution and firmness
While suspending duties, Brussels clearly expressed that this is not a surrender. The Commission, supported by a mandate of the 27 Member States, reiterated that All options remain viable If the interviews did not produce satisfactory results. From Washington, concrete signals are expected, perhaps by reconsidering the EU proposal of “zero duties per zero” on industrial assets. Meanwhile, American duties on steel, aluminum and other sectors still remain in force.
Von der Leyen: “Ready to measures on big tech”
In case of failure of the interviews, Europe is determined to protect its interests, also aiming for large US technological companies. President Von der Leyen spoke of the option to introduce a Tax on digital advertising revenueshitting names such as Meta, Google and X. A key tool could be the European anti-coercion “bazooka”, ready for interventions on digital services, but never used so far.
An unbalanced commercial balance
One of the central elements of the discussions concerns the evident commercial disparity between the two blocks. If the EU recorded a surplus of 157 billion euros in 2023 in exchanges of goods with the United States, the picture is reversed in the services, where a European deficit of 109 billion euros is observed. “80% of the services come from the United States,” said Von der Leyen, highlighting the need to a “balanced” agreement for both sides.
A signal for global relaxation
This commercial break is not limited to the USA. In parallel, Brussels is working to strengthen its global network. Recently, Von der Leyen has started discussions with the president of the United Arab Emirates for a commercial agreement on renewables. Also, it is in preparation The UE-CLIN SUMMITscheduled for the summer, to improve relations with Beijing despite the growing US duties against the Asian giant.
The college of European commissioners will formalize the suspension of rates in the next few days, leaving room for internal consultations and insights with the European industries. European ministers have already expressed the need to calibrated responses To safeguard the competitiveness of the single market without aggravating a delicate economic situation.
An open but fragile table
To date, a direct meeting between EU and American commercial representatives has not yet been expected. While Giorgia Meloni, Italian Premier, will soon head to Washington, every key decision on the commercial strategy remains entrusted to the Commission. In the meantime, Europe hopes that this pause can turn into a first step towards lasting distension.