Trade: let's talk about the actual problem

"We are united as Europeans and want to take a united stance when it comes to addressing US tariffs and customs duties on steel and aluminium. The trade measures taken by the US against the EU are not justified in our view. Which security threat are we talking about? There is no dumping in the European Union. The measures are not justified and will have an impact on employment, which we cannot allow", said Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, in Plenary today.

"Faced with these threats, Europe's answer must be clear and firm but proportionate", said the Chairman. "We fully support the approach put forward by the European Commission."

"We also need to talk about the actual problem, which is China", said Weber. "We need an overall cap to protect the European market and prevent it from being flooded by overcapacity and even more dumping. If we were only to put iPhones and BMWs into the balance, the only winner would be China. Therefore we also must try to talk to the US about China."

"Finally, we also need to identify the opportunities in the current debate. The world is confused about what is happening in Washington. Mexico, Canada, Japan: the EU can now be the region which proposes partnership. Extend the hand of friendship and partnership to the rest of the world. If Trump wants to keep building walls then we Europeans have to build bigger bridges", said Weber.