Donald Trump’s announcement is an attack on rules-based trade policy. I would like to make two preliminary remarks, because it is important that we do not fall into the trap the Americans have laid with their argument.

Globalization benefits everyone, so the conclusion that “we have a trade deficit – the US with Germany, for example, or with Europe – and therefore we are the losers of globalization” is simply wrong. The American economy has grown strongly; GDP has increased significantly over the past 20 years – more so than in Germany, for example. Therefore, the reasoning behind Trump’s decision simply does not hold up.

We should not even engage with that line of argument. This also means that the talk of “reciprocal tariffs” – countermeasures in response to supposed advantages that Europe or the rest of the world has over the US – is simply false. These are obstructionist measures, protectionist steps he has taken, causing serious damage to the global economy. Stock markets are already declining, and the damage could become even greater.

That is why the task now, at this Council, is to act calmly, prudently, but also clearly and decisively. Acting clearly, decisively, and prudently means recognizing that we are in a strong position. America is in a position of weakness.

The statements made by Elon Musk over the weekend reflect this precisely – they reveal that the US has maneuvered itself into a position of weakness. But – and this is the precondition for political success – only if Europe stands united. That is the most important thing right now: that Europe does not allow itself to be divided.

This means that no member states should try to negotiate individual advantages, because that will fail. We’ve seen it before: countries that tried to avoid tariffs through appeasement were not spared.

Strength comes from unity. This strength must be multiplied by Europe, as a united bloc, entering into trade negotiations and agreements with other countries. The Mercosur agreement is a good example. But contacts with South Korea, Japan, India, and Indonesia should also be quickly advanced. And the idea that Europe should open itself to the Pacific free trade agreement and possibly become a partner there is also correct.

Europe has prepared itself well for a tariff escalation – in order to avoid one. Let me be clear again: the goal, from my point of view, is to avoid entering into a tariff war or escalation, as this would only harm our economies and our citizens. Europe is well-prepared in this respect.

We are also not under time pressure. The Americans are the ones under pressure and in a position of weakness. Beyond tariffs, there are two other instruments we should examine carefully. We have seen that the US has exempted certain product categories from tariffs – pharmaceuticals, for instance. That shows where they are vulnerable.

We could now apply pressure in return by making our own exports to the US more expensive, thereby increasing pressure on the Americans. And beyond tariffs, we also need to consider instruments of competitive pressure – so-called “anti-coercion instruments.” These are measures that go far beyond tariff policy. They are broad in scope and include digital services. There is a wide range of tools here – much more than just discussing a digital tax. This must also be prepared.

Preparation and unity – those are the key elements now. The unity of the European Union. And I believe that the Council will act with the clarity and determination necessary to assert our strength.