The German Foreign Minister Olaf Scholz expressed concerns regarding the resurgence of American tariffs on international trade. During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Scholz stated to journalists: "Global trade is a major success and has enabled us all to achieve prosperity."
He added: "Therefore, we must not divide the world with different customs barriers, but should ensure the possibility for this exchange of goods and services in the future." Previously, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico, and also threatened the European Union with similar tariffs due to the trade deficit, for example, with Germany.
In response to the potential countermeasures from Europe, Scholz stated that "the European Union represents a strong economic zone and has its own options for action," noting that the European Union intends to continue economic relations with the United States based on this strength.
Scholz's visit to the UK is one of his last foreign tours before the upcoming parliamentary elections, which will take place in Germany in three weeks. The visit takes place on the day of the informal summit of the European Union in Brussels, which focuses mainly on common foreign policy and, as expected, will also involve the participation of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Sunak emphasized his desire to strengthen relations between the UK, Germany, and the European Union. He noted that he aims to create a "new beginning" in relations, but clarified that this "new beginning" does not include a return to the European Union, as "there has already been a vote on this issue, and the decision has been made."
The majority of Britons voted in the referendum of 2016 in favor of leaving the European Union, which officially took effect five years ago. Sunak expressed hope for deeper relations with the European Union, especially in the areas of defense, security, economics, and trade, considering that this serves the interests of both sides. He noted that during the last seven months of his administration, significant achievements have already been made in this direction, and he also thanked Scholz for his support of this course.
