Berlin (Germany), Jan. 19 (LaPresse) – Tariff threats are unacceptable because they always carry the risk of an escalation that ends up harming the population. This was stated by German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius in response to a question at a press conference. “I said that tariff threats are not useful and that they always carry the danger of escalation. An escalation on the issue of tariffs usually comes at the expense of the population, wherever it may be,” Kornelius said. “I believe no party has an interest in reducing its economic capacity and further burdening public budgets already under pressure, as well as a country’s economic strength.” According to the spokesperson, “in this sense, tariff threats, even from the President of the United States, are unacceptable.”
Kornelius added that such announcements already represent an escalation in the trade conflict: “This is a trade conflict in which, as mentioned, there can be no winner.” Berlin and the EU, he continued, are, however, ready to respond: “We are determined to react with effective countermeasures, including counter-tariffs. We will also prepare further economic policy measures, if necessary, starting from February.” On this point, he emphasized, “there is great unity among the EU member states.”
The spokesperson reiterated the importance of a united EU stance: “It is important that the European Union presents itself very united on these issues.” To this aim, he explained, the extraordinary European Council convened for this week will help, during which “the necessary political guidelines will be formulated and a demonstration of unity will take place.” Kornelius finally stated that the European Commission will continue along the line already set on Saturday by President Ursula von der Leyen and will initiate “an intensive dialogue” with the United States. “In this process, we all rely on the sense of responsibility of the United States as well, precisely to avoid such an escalation,” he concluded.