EU Prepared to Address U.S. Trade Tariffs, Says Scholz

Europe seeks to collaborate with the United States, but the EU is prepared to respond collectively if Washington imposes tariffs on steel and aluminum, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated.

Speaking at the opening of the Hanover industrial trade fair, where Canada is the partner country, Scholz emphasized Canada's independence. He responded to previous comments by U.S. President Trump, who has suggested Canada's annexation and referred to it as the 51st U.S. state.

"We stand by your side," Scholz asserted, adding, "Canada is a proud, independent nation."

In response to Trump’s proposed tariffs, Scholz argued that the best counter to "my country first" policies is more free trade, increased competitiveness, and enhanced technological sovereignty.

He noted that Europe is neither naive nor weak and that trade wars would be detrimental to all parties involved. "Europe's goal remains cooperation," he stated, "but if the U.S. gives us no choice with tariffs on steel and aluminum, we as the EU will respond united."