France is calling on the European Union to demonstrate greater resolve in its ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration, which has threatened to impose 30% tariffs on the bloc. This urgent plea was made today by French Industry Minister Marc Ferrazzi.
Emergency Council Meeting and Calls for Countermeasures
Ferrazzi convened an emergency national industry council following Donald Trump’s announcements on July 12, indicating his intention to levy 30% tariffs on the EU, building on an earlier series of announcements in April.
“Europe’s position must be one of negotiation, but also of determination,” the French minister stated after the council meeting, which included representatives from industrial sectors, as well as trade unions and employer associations.
According to Ferrazzi, three months of negotiations have failed to “change the American administration’s stance, which has, in fact, hardened its position. Therefore, we must change our method,” he argued, primarily referencing the possibility of implementing countermeasures.
Industry Concerns and United Stance
The French minister clarified that the National Industry Council had adopted an opinion addressed to the EU “by consensus,” a text that supports “reaching a balanced agreement through negotiations.”
“Some sectors have spoken of a fatal risk if, by chance, 30% tariffs are applied,” Ferrazzi emphasized, assuring that industry would remain “united” behind this shift, demonstrating greater determination.
A participant in the council, who wished to remain anonymous, told journalists that representatives from many sectors, like the minister, favor a “strong stance through diplomatic channels.” However, others are more apprehensive about the consequences of potential EU countermeasures than they are about the American tariffs.
