Minister for EU matters Adam Szłapka stated that if trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States are not successful, further steps will be considered, including lodging a complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The semi -papa spoke in the European Parliament during the debate. He repeated that, according to the EU, the imposition of additional duties on it by Washington is unjustified.
Adam Szłapka: Consumers will really pay.
– Tariffs are taxes paid by enterprises, and ultimately by consumers. They will raise the costs of imports, disturb the supply chains and force the enterprises to cover costs or transfer them (to consumers – ed.) In the form of higher prices, increasing inflation – he said.
He emphasized that although the EU positively received the US decision to suspend part of the customs tariffs for 90 days, it is deeply concerned about possible new duties.
He added that the EU is concerned about the uncertainty they introduced to the world economy announcements of US administration. – We understand that the USA is striving to strengthen the immunity of their national industrial base and increasing economic security. However, we believe that the announced tariffs are not the right way to achieve these goals – noted Szłapka.
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Adam Szłapka about a possible complaint to the WTO
He emphasized that the EU is united in this matter and wants a dialogue with the United States.
– However, I want to say clearly: we will defend our interests and rights if we need to. (…) In the Council (among EU countries – ed.) There is a broad agreement as to the need to work on possible further remedies that would supplement those already accepted – he said.
He emphasized that if negotiations do not bring the desired result, the EU would consider taking further steps, “leaving all options on the table, including a complaint to the WTO.”
Solving disputes by the WTO
The Dispute Settlement System under the WTO is a mechanism to ensure compliance with international trade rules.
The state belonging to the WTO may lodge a complaint with another state, which in his opinion does not comply with these rules
Donald Trump duties
In the first half of April, the President of the USA Donald Trump He suspended additional customs tariffs for goods from the countries with which United States They have a sales deficit, including EU countries.
Intensive negotiations are underway between Brussels and Washington, which aims to alleviate commercial tensions.
Source of the main photo: PAP/EPA/Ronald Wittek