Faced with Trump's "ultimatum," European leaders seek a clear direction
The US president gave Europeans until July 9 to sign an agreement with the United States and avoid increasing customs duties. At the European Council on June 26 and 27, member states therefore sought a common position on the issue, despite obvious divisions, particularly between France and Germany.
His recent about-faces on the international stage demonstrate that Donald Trump values his role as "master of the clocks" above all else. Thus, as with the Iranian issue , where he issued a series of ultimatums and sudden reversals of position, on customs duties too, the American president wants to lead the ship at his own pace.
This is why, in April, he granted the Europeans a ninety-day truce. A pause that will normally end on July 9.
With the deadline fast approaching, the leaders of the EU member states, meeting since June 26 at the European Council, are struggling to find a common position to respond to Trump. “Everyone wants an agreement with the United States,” Le Soir aptly summarizes , “ but no one wants it at any price . It remains to be defined what that price is.”
On the subject, each country has its own opinion, which often depends on specific interests linked to its economy. Germany, for example, “relies heavily on its exports, particularly of cars, which are currently subject to customs duties of 25% upon arrival on US soil,”
Courrier International
