Pedro Sánchez Urges Donald Trump to Reconsider Tariffs as EU Plans Coordinated Response
Spanish Prime Minister emphasizes unity and proportional response to new US tariffs ahead of their implementation.
Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, has called on United States President Donald Trump to 'reconsider, engage in dialogue, and halt the nonsense of tariffs' imposed by the US on imported goods.
In an address at a forum on European funds, Sánchez issued a warning that the European Union (EU) will respond with 'rapidity, proportionality, and unity' if the tariffs remain in place.
The remarks were made in reference to the recent announcement from the Trump administration establishing a 25% tariff on all vehicles not manufactured in the US, a measure set to take effect on April 2, which the White House has termed 'Liberation Day.' Sánchez stated that the Spanish government is prepared to swiftly respond to these tariffs out of solidarity with farmers and businesses, stressing that the government has been developing a contingency plan to assist the most affected sectors since the initial threats were made.
On the issue of proportionality, Sánchez highlighted that a trade war harms all involved, particularly the most vulnerable.
He asserted that a coordinated response from EU member states is expected, emphasizing that 'the difficulties of the international context compel us to row harder together.'
In a related statement, Teresa Ribera, Vice President of the European Commission for a Fair and Competitive Transition, described the US tariff policy as 'economically misguided' and an 'evident negative development' for the EU.
Furthermore, addressing European security concerns, Sánchez remarked on the need for Europe to strengthen its security architecture, reflecting on the delegations of responsibilities to third countries that have occurred since World War II. He noted the implications of the ongoing conflict caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, advocating for a move towards greater integration and the potential establishment of European Armed Forces to enhance deterrent capabilities and influence in a changing international order.
Sánchez also made a statement regarding the necessity of reforms in exchange for European funds, criticizing a governance agreement reached by the regional government of Valencia in collaboration with the far-right party Vox, which he claimed undermined the European Green Pact supported by both the Popular Party and the Socialist Party.
He underscored that European funding is contingent upon mutual loyalty and adherence to the agreed reforms, indicating that no ideological deviations would jeopardize access to next-generation European funds for Spain.
In a separate political development, the leftist coalition Movement Sumar publicly called for unity among left-wing parties in Spain, including Podemos.
During the party's assembly held in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, a resolution was passed to advance cooperation among leftist factions with the aim of renewing the coalition government by 2027. The assembly garnered overwhelming support, achieving over 93% approval from delegates.
The party's resolution emphasized the need for a dialogue that respects diverse identities while allowing for political autonomy in forming agreements.
Movement Sumar outlined 15 priority measures, including a proposal for a 32-hour workweek, profit-sharing mandates for companies, and restrictions on speculative real estate sales.
The assembly also introduced new leadership structures with a coordinating group, reinforcing its commitment to a labor-oriented, eco-socialist, feminist, and pluralistic approach.
The documents underscored the intention to build upon existing alliances while advocating for strategic autonomy within EU relations, especially concerning security and defense.
Additionally, the party expressed commitment to reducing reliance on relationships with the US while fostering new partnerships within Europe.
In a related highlight of the assembly, Economic Minister Ernest Urtasun announced a recent agreement with the Treasury, designed to exempt minimum wage earners from income tax for the current year.
Urtasun praised Spain's macroeconomic performance and called for fiscal gains to support social agenda items, framing the governance priorities as essential for fostering societal progress.
In an address at a forum on European funds, Sánchez issued a warning that the European Union (EU) will respond with 'rapidity, proportionality, and unity' if the tariffs remain in place.
The remarks were made in reference to the recent announcement from the Trump administration establishing a 25% tariff on all vehicles not manufactured in the US, a measure set to take effect on April 2, which the White House has termed 'Liberation Day.' Sánchez stated that the Spanish government is prepared to swiftly respond to these tariffs out of solidarity with farmers and businesses, stressing that the government has been developing a contingency plan to assist the most affected sectors since the initial threats were made.
On the issue of proportionality, Sánchez highlighted that a trade war harms all involved, particularly the most vulnerable.
He asserted that a coordinated response from EU member states is expected, emphasizing that 'the difficulties of the international context compel us to row harder together.'
In a related statement, Teresa Ribera, Vice President of the European Commission for a Fair and Competitive Transition, described the US tariff policy as 'economically misguided' and an 'evident negative development' for the EU.
Furthermore, addressing European security concerns, Sánchez remarked on the need for Europe to strengthen its security architecture, reflecting on the delegations of responsibilities to third countries that have occurred since World War II. He noted the implications of the ongoing conflict caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, advocating for a move towards greater integration and the potential establishment of European Armed Forces to enhance deterrent capabilities and influence in a changing international order.
Sánchez also made a statement regarding the necessity of reforms in exchange for European funds, criticizing a governance agreement reached by the regional government of Valencia in collaboration with the far-right party Vox, which he claimed undermined the European Green Pact supported by both the Popular Party and the Socialist Party.
He underscored that European funding is contingent upon mutual loyalty and adherence to the agreed reforms, indicating that no ideological deviations would jeopardize access to next-generation European funds for Spain.
In a separate political development, the leftist coalition Movement Sumar publicly called for unity among left-wing parties in Spain, including Podemos.
During the party's assembly held in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, a resolution was passed to advance cooperation among leftist factions with the aim of renewing the coalition government by 2027. The assembly garnered overwhelming support, achieving over 93% approval from delegates.
The party's resolution emphasized the need for a dialogue that respects diverse identities while allowing for political autonomy in forming agreements.
Movement Sumar outlined 15 priority measures, including a proposal for a 32-hour workweek, profit-sharing mandates for companies, and restrictions on speculative real estate sales.
The assembly also introduced new leadership structures with a coordinating group, reinforcing its commitment to a labor-oriented, eco-socialist, feminist, and pluralistic approach.
The documents underscored the intention to build upon existing alliances while advocating for strategic autonomy within EU relations, especially concerning security and defense.
Additionally, the party expressed commitment to reducing reliance on relationships with the US while fostering new partnerships within Europe.
In a related highlight of the assembly, Economic Minister Ernest Urtasun announced a recent agreement with the Treasury, designed to exempt minimum wage earners from income tax for the current year.
Urtasun praised Spain's macroeconomic performance and called for fiscal gains to support social agenda items, framing the governance priorities as essential for fostering societal progress.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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