A leading figure in the European Parliament is calling for a robust response to recent threats of new tariffs from the United States. Bernd Lange, Chair of the Parliament’s International Trade Committee, has urged EU member states to activate the EU’s anti-coercion instrument in light of the escalating trade tensions.
Lange argues that the US President’s call for the EU to repeal its digital legislation constitutes economic coercion under the terms of the instrument. He emphasized to the Handelsblatt that the attempt to influence EU law represents a significant escalation beyond traditional tariff disputes and cannot be tolerated.
The call for action is echoed by other prominent EU legislators. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party group, stated that all EU laws, including those pertaining to the digital sphere, must be fully implemented.
Alexandra Geese, a Member of the European Parliament with the Green Party, proposed a shift in strategy, asserting that no accommodation will persuade the US President to respect the sovereignty of other nations. She advocated for the EU to position itself as a leader among free democracies.
The situation arose after the US President threatened new tariffs and export restrictions on US semiconductors should the EU not rescind its Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). The EU is now considering its options for responding to these developments.