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Brantner Challenges Merz to Strengthen EU's Response to US ...
2025-07-15 22:55:09
Politics
Economy
Europe

Brantner Challenges Merz to Strengthen EU's Response to US Trade Threats

Franziska Brantner, leader of the Green Party, urges Chancellor Friedrich Merz to adopt a firmer stance in the trade dispute with the USA. She criticizes US President Donald Trump's tariff threats against Europe, describing them as a 'frontal attack'.

Brantner emphasizes the strength of the European Union as the world's largest internal market, calling for a unified response to leverage this power. She also stresses the importance of digital sovereignty and supports a digital tax on major US tech giants.

Brantner criticizes Merz for undermining European interests by allowing US firms to influence EU regulations. Meanwhile, Merz warns the US of reciprocal tariffs if negotiations fail, emphasizing the need for a resolution to protect the German export economy.

He remains hopeful for a settlement by August, despite preparations for countermeasures. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining transatlantic relations and asserting European economic independence.

Related news on that topic:

Can Chancellor Merz Balance Domestic Challenges with ... Threats?

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is navigating a challenging political landscape following the postponed election of constitutional judges in Germany. The delay was prompted by the Union's opposition to SPD candidate Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, primarily due to her stance on abortion rights. Merz acknowledges that the legislative workload is overwhelming but insists there is no immediate urgency to resolve the judge election issue, despite criticism from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Merz has ruled out cooperation with the Left Party and the AfD, focusing on dialogue with the SPD to find a solution. He also expressed support for Jens Spahn amidst the controversy, asserting that Spahn is well-suited to his leadership role within the faction. Despite the setback, Merz remains optimistic about securing better majorities in future votes. In addition to domestic challenges, Merz is concerned about the potential economic crisis triggered by US tariffs on EU products. He warns that such tariffs could severely impact the German export economy. Merz is advocating for unity within the EU and constructive negotiations with the US to prevent a trade war. His efforts are aimed at reaching an agreement before the August deadline to avert the tariffs. While Merz is focused on these pressing issues, there are questions about his commitment to domestic reform, as he appears to be prioritizing international engagements. Critics suggest this could be seen as an attempt to sidestep internal political challenges. Nonetheless, Merz emphasizes his commitment to making Germany future-ready, though specifics on how this will be achieved remain unclear.

Will EU Diplomacy Avert Trump's 30% Tariff on Imports?

The intensifying trade conflict between the US and the EU has become a focal point of international economic discussions. With President Donald Trump's announcement of a 30% tariff on EU imports, concerns have mounted across Europe, particularly in Germany, whose economy is heavily reliant on exports. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the severe impact such tariffs could have on the German economy and emphasized the need for a negotiated solution before the August deadline. The EU has shown restraint by delaying its retaliatory measures, aiming to maintain an open dialogue and prevent further escalation. The proposed tariffs have stirred reactions from EU officials, with some advocating for a firm stance against the US, while others call for pragmatic negotiations to avoid a trade war. The potential economic ramifications are significant, as the tariffs could disrupt the €4.4 billion daily trade between the EU and the US. Business leaders and politicians alike have expressed their concerns over the possible economic downturn and the threat to transatlantic relations. Despite the looming challenges, there remains a cautious optimism that continued negotiations might avert the impending tariffs. The EU's strategic postponement of counter-tariffs reflects a hope for a diplomatic resolution, as the bloc seeks to protect its economic interests while avoiding a full-blown trade conflict.

Read 12 more recent news on this topic

The press radar on this topic:

AFP
15. Juli 2025 um 00:26

"Defending Europe": Brantner calls for Merz to take a tougher stance in the trade dispute

Green Party leader Franziska Brantner is calling on Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) to take a tougher stance in the trade dispute with the USA and to strengthen Europe's economic sovereignty. She criticizes that Merz is damaging the interests of German and European companies and consumers by exerting pressure on the EU Commission to involve large US technology companies in the co-determination of European rules. Brantner demands that Merz advocate for a digital tax and abandon the blocking pos..
n-tv.de
15. Juli 2025 um 14:19

Should the USA Take It Seriously: Merz Sends Tariff Threat to Trump - n-tv.de

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned the USA that the EU will respond with similar measures in the event of an escalation of the tariff dispute. The EU is prepared but still hopes for a negotiated solution. Merz emphasized that negotiations must be completed by the end of July to facilitate trade between the USA and the EU and to reduce tariffs. The EU has compiled a list of US products that could be affected by new tariffs if no agreement is reached.
n-tv.de
15. Juli 2025 um 16:07

Is Berlin Following Donald Trump?: Merz Wants to Overturn Global Minimum Tax in Europe - n-tv.de

Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to suspend the global minimum tax for large corporations in Europe, after US President Donald Trump declared it ineffective in the US. The Bavarian Finance Minister Albert Füracker argues that the minimum tax no longer makes sense without the US and would disadvantage the European economy. Merz announced that the federal government will deal with this issue. The G7 countries had previously reached a compromise, according to which US companies are exempted from the..
EURACTIV.de
15. Juli 2025 um 11:20

Grünen-Chief Eickhout does not regret supporting von der Leyen

Bas Eickhout, leader of the Green group in the European Parliament, defends his group's support for the EU Commission of Ursula von der Leyen. However, he criticizes the EU's efforts to simplify its legislation, which he believes go too far under the pressure of corporate lobbyists and the conservative EPP group. Eickhout calls on von der Leyen to limit the influence of Manfred Weber.
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