The Spanish government has announced the creation of a social dialogue platform to coordinate the nation’s response to the tariff war initiated by the United States.

This agreement was reached during a meeting held at the Palace of Moncloa, involving Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, key leaders from the business community, including Antonio Garamendi of CEOE and Gerardo Cuerva of Cepyme, as well as trade union leaders Unai Sordo of CC OO and Pepe Álvarez of UGT.

The discussions, which took place on Wednesday afternoon just hours before the anticipated announcement of US tariffs, focused on the economic implications for Spain and the European Union amidst ongoing trade tensions.

Following the meeting, Sánchez expressed on social media that Spain is committed to protecting its businesses and workers while advocating for an open global trade environment.

Government sources have indicated that Sánchez and several cabinet ministers, including the Ministers of Economy, Labor, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Industry, addressed the potential tariff measures that the US government might impose and explored possible responses at both the national and European levels.

They also emphasized the importance of a strong and unified European Union that can safeguard its industry, workers, and businesses.

Unai Sordo highlighted the establishment of the social dialogue platform as a critical step in facilitating coordinated responses.

He called on the government to collaboratively identify sectors that export to the United States and may require European tariff policies in light of the unfolding trade conflict.

Sordo acknowledged the unlikelihood of a resolution to the trade war and stressed the need for contingency funding to support industries adversely affected by US tariffs.

He urged that measures be devised within the social dialogue framework to ensure employment stability in potentially impacted sectors.

The discussion also covered the necessity for Europe to enhance its strategic autonomy to reduce dependency on external powers such as the US and Russia.

Sordo pointed to the need for greater energy independence, a more resilient industrial policy, and stronger trade relationships with regions like Latin America and China.

Prior to the discussion with Sánchez, CEOE President Garamendi noted that responses to the tariff situation should not be undertaken independently by individual European states but should rather involve a unified and agreed approach from the entire European Union.

The Spanish business community aims to collaborate with Business Europe to establish a cohesive strategy following the official US tariff announcement.

In response to the ongoing economic situation, the Spanish government has confirmed its collaboration with the European Union to address the anticipated impacts.

Furthermore, the Cabinet had previously approved an extension of the MOVES III electric mobility incentive program, retroactively effective from January 1, with a budget of 400 million euros to support electric vehicle purchases and charging infrastructure.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Sánchez is scheduled to convene with various representatives from the Spanish productive sector to further discuss Spain's and Europe’s response to the repercussions of the US tariff measures.