German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated on Sunday that Europe desires cooperation with the United States, while also asserting that the EU is prepared to respond collectively if Washington forces their hand by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium.
Speaking at the opening of the Hanover Industrial Trade Fair, which this year featured Canada as its partner country, Scholz also emphasised Canada’s independent status.
This comes after former US President Donald Trump had speculated about annexing Canada and referred to it as the 51st US state.
“We stand by your side. Canada is not a state that belongs to anyone else. Canada is a proud, independent nation,” he declared.
Addressing Trump’s plans to introduce tariffs, the German Chancellor said his response to “my country first” policies was to advocate for more free trade, greater competitiveness, and increased technological sovereignty.
He argued that Europe was neither naive nor weak, and stressed that trade wars are detrimental to all parties involved.
“So I say to the United States: Europe’s goal remains cooperation. But if the US leaves us no choice, such as with the tariffs on steel and aluminium, we, as the EU, will react as one,” he added.
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