The Commissioner of Economics and Industry of the European Union (EU), Valdis Dombrovskis, said the bloc is willing to negotiate with the United States and reach a new trade agreement, provided that the solutions are mutually beneficial on both sides. At an Atlantic Council event, Dombrovskis said European authorities still expect response from the US plans, including from the proposal to reset US goods in exchange for the same measure on European goods.
“We want to remove commercial barriers,” said the commissioner. “But we need more clarity about new US export policies.”
The European Union wants to preserve the rules -based international system, Dombrovskis said.
Asked about China’s stance, the commissioner said they remain concerns about the excessive capacity of production of the Asian giant and doubts whether Chinese goods will be redirected to Europe, with the climbing of the US tensions.
Regarding the increase in defense spending, Dombrovskis stressed that member countries should balance them with other priorities, although it considers the measure as “essential.” “The transition will be gradual,” he said, adding that the pace must allow the EU to eventually address solutions to the high level of public deficits. “Europe was not active in defense, so investing in this is a new priority,” he said.
