Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, has warned that the EU should prepare for potential US import tariffs by imposing its own tariffs on US digital companies. This comes as Republican Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th US president and has announced plans to impose 20% tariffs on European products. Weber believes that the EU's economic size and capabilities make it capable of countering such measures, particularly in areas where American digital companies earn significant revenue but pay minimal taxes. He emphasized that the EU does not want a trade war, which would weaken the West against China, and instead proposes an "economic NATO" to present a united front against China.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/01/04/eu-conservative-leader-calls-for-counter-tariffs-on-us-tech-giants-if-trump-imposes-new-trade-barriers/162058A delegation from the European Parliament visited the UK, led by the chair of Strasbourg's Committee on Foreign Affairs, who referenced the Spice Girls in a statement. The group expressed concerns that the UK's diplomatic efforts under Prime Minister Starmer would be ineffective without concrete commitments. This sentiment was echoed in a parliamentary text warning against a "reset in name only." Additionally, the UK's diplomatic efforts have been complicated by changes in Germany's government, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to be replaced by a conservative leader.
https://www.politico.eu/article/britain-looks-to-reset-its-brexit-reset/