- cross-posted to:
- europe@feddit.org
- cross-posted to:
- europe@feddit.org
Summary
Trump has rejected the EU’s “zero-for-zero” tariff offer on cars and industrial goods, demanding instead that the bloc commit to purchasing $350 billion of American energy to offset the trade deficit.
Following his implementation of 20% tariffs on EU goods last week, which triggered significant market downturns, Trump indicated openness to negotiations while emphasizing his “America First” stance.
He also criticized EU product standards as “non-monetary barriers” designed to block American exports.
Most of these are not really a problem though, even less for the kind of psychos that run the EU. Sanctions can be lifted, and Ukraine shouldn’t be able to do much against both Russia and the EU. While renewables and nuclear are increasing, Russian energy could help until they are 100% ready. Voters won’t do much if they are told “see, the US is trying to scam us, and in these trying times we’ve struck a deal with Russia and you’ll be paying less for power and heat”.
The problem with striking a deal with Russia is that it’s not the most reliable partner right now (your 3rd point), but the people in charge can ignore the rest and have no problems sleeping.
Edit: this is not a defense of Russia but a critique of the powers that be in the EU.