The first response from Europe to Trump's new tax move, seen as a threat: Both sides will suffer.

23.05.2025 19:30

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 50% tariff on the European Union. Wadephul stated, "I believe that such tariffs will benefit no one and, on the contrary, will harm economic development in both markets."

The German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made statements during a joint press conference held in Berlin with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

TRUMP'S CUSTOMS PROPOSAL RESPONSE LIKE A THREAT: BOTH SIDES WILL SUFFER

Wadephul stated regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 50% customs tariff on the European Union (EU), "I believe that such tariffs will benefit no one and will instead lead to economic development being harmed in both markets." The German minister noted that they will continue to focus on negotiations and support the European Commission in defending the continent and the continental market, while also using its persuasive power in America.

INDIA HAS STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

German Foreign Minister Wadephul stated that India holds a very special importance as a security power in a strategically significant region of the world. Wadephul noted that peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific are closely related to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region.

Referring to the tension between India and Pakistan, Wadephul made the following assessment: "What is important right now is to maintain this ceasefire in a stable manner and to continue dialogue to find bilateral solutions to the conflict, taking into account the vital interests of both sides."

Wadephul emphasized that Germany will always support the fight against terrorism, stating, "This is our position. Terrorism should have no place anywhere in the world, and therefore we will always support everyone who has to defend themselves against terrorism."

"NO ALLOWANCE FOR BLACKMAIL WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS"

Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar pointed out that India has a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and expressed appreciation for Germany's understanding that every country has the right to defend itself against terrorism. Jaishankar emphasized that his country will never allow itself to be blackmailed with nuclear weapons and stated that it will only conduct bilateral relations with Pakistan.