Europe, according to Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, should not only wait for the US duties to see what the United States will come up with, but it should actively try to agree on mutually advantageous conditions. According to him, the Czech Republic is that the EU is able to cooperate with the United States. He said this on Monday before departure to an informal meeting of European leaders in Brussels, says TASR newsletter in Prague.
Fiala considers the US to be a key partner for Europe, and it must remain so. However, Europe must be stronger in the economic and security areas. “Just as the new US president will take more care of US interests, Europe has to take care of ours stronger. The interest of the Czech Republic is certainly that the Euro-American bond remains strong to be able to cooperate because Anything else would mean strengthening our common rivals and enemies, whether China or Russia“said Fiala.
US President Donald Trump signed an order to introduce strict duties on the import of goods from Mexico, Canada and China on Saturday. On Sunday he announced that the duties imported from the European Union will be introduced by his government “soon”. According to Fial, however, the EU should not just wait for Trump to do.
“I am convinced that Europe must be active in this thing … We should not only wait for what the US will come up with, but we should try to actively claim some reasonable and mutually beneficial conditions. We certainly have tools to achieve a good deal with the United States, “Fiala thinks.
When asked whether the EU should respond with retaliatory measures, as already done by Canada, or announced Mexico, if the EU is introducing duties, Fiala replied that it is more for the fastest to find an agreement so that the countries do not have to surprise each other with retaliatory measures.
“Otherwise, I am generally a supporter of having the most open business space with the United States and, as far as possible, there are no duties. But we must perceive the reality as it is now, and therefore I think that an active approach from the EU can lead to good results, “added the Czech Prime Minister, adding that in any case Europe must first defend its interests.
