itstargetnews
On January 21, 2025, US President Donald Trump delivered a speech on artificial intelligence infrastructure in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, USA.
Carlos Barria | Reuters
As politicians from around the world gathered in Davos, Switzerland, for the second day of the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, there was one name on everyone’s lips: Donald Trump.
Trump’s proposed tariffs on Europe have become a particularly hot topic since he took office as U.S. president on Monday.
In interviews with CNBC, European policymakers weighed in on what another four years of Trump could mean for U.S. relations with Europe.
Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain
“We have strong transatlantic ties…our economies are closely linked, and I don’t think a trade war is in (anyone’s) interest, nor is it in the interest of the United States and the European Union,” Sanchez said. As told to CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick in between activities.
“Trade wars are a zero-sum game. We need to focus on how to strengthen our transatlantic relationship, which is now more important than ever.”
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank
Lagarde welcome this fact Trump did not impose sweeping tariffs on the EU on his first day in office.
“I think it’s a very smart way to approach trade issues because a blanket tariff won’t necessarily give you the desired outcome. I’m not sure exactly what the intended outcome is, whether it’s a trade tool, whether it will “A pure trade tool, but I’m not surprised,” she told CNBC’s Karen Tso.
“That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. I think what we will see in the coming days and weeks is that it will be a more selective, more targeted development. But I think we need in Europe It’s about being prepared and anticipating what’s going to happen so you can respond.”
Alexander Stubb, President of Finland
“I’m pleased that President Trump wants the United States to remain a superpower, and to do that you need allies – and I think those allies are coming from Europe. So while America comes first, maybe it should be Europe second, very much OK,” Staub told CNBC’s Dan Murphy.
“I also take comfort in the fact that he’s a peaceful man. (He) just made peace in the Middle East and I think he’s going to try to do the same thing in Ukraine. And of course there are some things that I think.” Spot the question, Such as trade tariffs, but we’ll see how to deal with that. “
French Foreign Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin
Regarding the impact of tariffs, San Martin said: “There are no new tariffs yet, so we will see.”
“We know Donald Trump, President Emmanuel Macron worked closely with him during his first (term) and he remains an ally. Europe and the United States are friends, but we have to be realistic and Be pragmatic – if there are new tariffs we will respond,” he added.
“I think the election of Trump could be a real opportunity for us … but if there are new tariffs tomorrow, if there are countries, like the United States or China, that don’t want to follow the rules anymore, then we will We cannot be the last continent in the world to follow rules that no one follows.”
Wopke Hoekstra, EU Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth
Hoekstra says ‘we will be missed’ after Trump The United States withdraws from the Paris Agreement — Landmark United Nations deal to curb global warming.
“It’s unfortunate. It’s not completely unexpected, but it’s unfortunate given the critical role that the United States plays on the global stage,” he said. “It’s the largest economy, it’s the most dominant country, it’s the second-largest emitter. So it’s unfortunate to lose them in the international diplomatic cycle in terms of climate-related terms,” he said.
Valdis Dombrovskis, European Economic Commissioner
“If there is a need to defend our economic interests, we will respond in an appropriate manner,” Dombrovskis said. As told to CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick. “We are prepared to defend our values and our interests and rights if necessary.”
Elisabeth Svantesson, Swedish Finance Minister
“Tariffs get a lot of attention. If they go up, that’s not good … but what we do, we have to do together,” she said. “Sweden is very dependent on exports. So, of course, if more and more countries (implement) more protectionism, that’s bad for us, but it’s also bad for the global economy. If the U.S. imposes high tariffs, it’s not good for the U.S. That’s great, for example, when it comes to Canada or Europe.”
Regarding defense spending, Svantsson added: “We have to do more in Europe. When it comes to Ukraine, it is a matter of life and death. So, I hope the United States will not (withdraw), but if they do If we do, we must be strong.”
Andrii Yermak, Chief of Staff of the President of Ukraine
Asked about Trump’s policies, Yermak told CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick: “I believe in America. I believe in the American people. President Trump was elected president of the United States. He is the guarantor of democracy, And (the United States) is the largest democracy in the world that wants to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
“I do not believe that the president of the United States would support dictatorship over democracy. We want to work with President Trump and his administration,” he added. “I’m sure we will find real solutions and decide together how to make those solutions a reality.”
