Harris Downplays Trump Tariff Threat Amid EU-Canada Alliance Plans
The Minister of Finance for Ireland, Simon Harris, is urging caution when discussing potential new tariffs from President Donald Trump to the EU. Speaking at an informal meeting of Eurozone Economy and Finance Ministers in Dublin, Harris warned against 'overstating' the level of concern.
Harris emphasized that while Trump has threatened additional tariffs if Brussels proceeds with granting Canada a special status as an associated member of the Union, this approach does not constitute a hostile gesture towards Washington. He pointed out that Trump also indicated he would not take retaliatory actions if the EU-Canada initiative is seen as non-hostile.
Harris defended the strengthening of ties between Brussels and Ottawa, saying it's about cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He highlighted the importance of multilateralism to address global challenges that require shared responses.