Strasbourg (France), 10 September (LaPresse) – "When we talk about competitiveness and independence, we have to talk about our relations with the United States. I have heard a lot about the agreement reached this summer. I understand the initial reactions, so let me be as clear as possible: our trade relationship with the United States is the most important one. We export goods worth over €500 billion. Every year, millions of jobs depend on this, and as President of the Commission, I will never gamble with people's jobs and livelihoods. That is why we have reached an agreement to maintain market access for our industries, and I can assure you that we have secured the best possible deal. We have put our companies at a relative advantage, because some of our direct competitors face much higher tariffs from the United States. Yes, their base level may be lower, but when you consider the exceptions we have obtained and the additional tariffs that others have, we undoubtedly have the best deal." This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address to the European Parliament. ‘But I also want to be absolutely clear on one point: whether it is environmental or digital regulation, we set our own standards. We set our own regulations. Europe will always decide for itself. And honourable Members, I do not believe in tariffs. Tariffs are taxes, but the agreement provides crucial stability in our relations with the United States at a time of serious global uncertainty,’ she added.
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