Antonio Costa, Von Der Leyen and President of the EU Council, made statements at a press conference after the EU Summit in Brussels.
“I gave information to the leaders about the current situation of our trade talks with the US.” Von Der Leyen reminded that he had a “positive” meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit margin held in Canada last week and agreed to accelerate the work to make an agreement before 9 July.
Von der leyen pointed out that they have received the last document to advance the negotiations by the US today and started to evaluate this document. “Our message is very clear. We are ready for an agreement. he said.
Von Der Leyen explained that they have made consultations with the leaders in the list of products that will balance commercial relations with the US, “We will defend European interests as needed. All options continue to stay on the table.” he said.
Search for alternatives to DTO
Von der leyen stated that he describes the different possibilities and options offered to many different countries who want to make free trade agreements for leaders. he said.
Von Der Leyen explained that the EU wants to establish a mutually structured cooperation with the Asian countries and said, “Therefore, we can think of this as the beginning of redesigning the World Trade Organization (WTO).” evaluated.
Von Der Leyen pointed out that he had the idea of establishing an alternative structure on the WTO for the elimination of commercial disputes and stated that he should not repeat the mistakes made on the WTO.
Von Der Leyen explained that free trade with many countries around the world can be made on a basis of rules, and that it is an important project that needs to be emphasized.
Costa, President of the EU Council, stressed that an agreement with the United States is a much better option than not to agree.
Pointing out that the zero tariff is better than tariffs, Costa said, “The worst thing for our economy is uncertainty. We should take action to bring clarity to our investors, employees and companies as soon as possible.” He said.
US President Trump, after the task of the EU countries to import steel and aluminum imports 50 percent, 25 percent to the automotive sector and 10 percent of other products brought custom customs tax tariff.
Trump stated that the trade agreement negotiations with the EU did not have anywhere, proposed to apply a 50 percent tariff directly to the EU, and the EU Commission President Von Der Leyen had a telephone conversation with Trump after these statements.
Following the meeting, the US side postponed the decision to implement a 50 percent tariff directly to the EU to the negotiations.
The EU commission represents EU countries on commercial matters. At this stage, the EU and US officials negotiate an agreement on tariffs.
