Trump’s Destructive Tariffs Demand a United European Response to Protect Workers and Businesses, says Ó Ríordáin MEP
Trump’s Destructive Tariffs Demand a United European Response to Protect Workers and Businesses, says Ó Ríordáin MEP - The Labour Party
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose unjustified 20% tariffs on EU goods, Dublin MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has condemned the move as vindictive and economically disastrous, calling for a strategic and united EU response.
Ó Ríordáin said:
“Trump’s destructive tariffs fuel a trade war that shackles workers, families and businesses across the globe. Millions of jobs are now at risk, prices will rise, and ordinary people will suffer the most. This recklessness could trigger the worst economic crisis since the 2008 financial crash.
“Ireland never imagined it would be forced to choose between its two closest allies. But Trump’s decision yesterday shattered that illusion. He is an unpredictable and dangerous adversary who blatantly rejects our values and bullies vulnerable developing countries already struggling with economic hardship.
“We have to recast our collective mindset and reject the false notion we are between Europe and America. Ireland is a net contributor to the European Union. We have a strong position within the Union. We are European and our response will be European.
“The EU is the world’s largest trading bloc. It has a broad toolbox at its disposal and it must be ready to respond calmly, decisively, and strategically. While we must push for a negotiated solution, we cannot allow Trump to dictate the terms. Trump pits workers against each other while giving free rein to corrupt oligarchs who believe the rules don’t apply to them.
“Europe must not bow to Trump’s demands. We will defend European interests, protect the hard won progress we have made, and I will continue to fight for Irish workers and businesses.”