EU rejects Trump's claim that Bloc was formed to harm US trade
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EU trade spokesman Olof Gill said that US companies have consistently benefited from the EU's unified market, which provides lucrative opportunities for American investments.
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European Union flags flap in the wind ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, June 27, 2024 (AP)
The European Union has rejected recent remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that the EU "was formed in order to screw the US." In response, Olof Gill, the European Commission's trade spokesman, defended the economic relationship between the two powers, affirming the mutual benefits the EU has provided to the United States.
"We believe that the European Union, since its foundation, has been a boon for the United States. By creating a large and integrated single market, the EU has facilitated trade, reduced costs for EU exporters and harmonized standards and regulations across all our member states. As a result, US investments in Europe are highly profitable," Gill said on Thursday when asked about Trump's statement.
Gill stressed that US companies have consistently benefited from the EU's unified market, which provides lucrative opportunities for American investments. "US companies have been able to invest and generate substantial revenues in the bloc precisely because it offers a large unified market that is good for business," he added.
Secondo Donald #Trump, l'Unione europea è nata per dar fastidio agli Stati Uniti. Invece l'#Ue "è stata una manna per gli #Usa" replica oggi il portavoce della Commissione Europea Olof #Gill. pic.twitter.com/MzSucCA4VA
— askanews (@askanews_ita) February 27, 2025
His remarks come amid growing trade tensions between the US and the EU, as President Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all EU products. The proposed tariffs are part of Trump's criticism of the EU's trade practices, which he described as unfair to American businesses.
The EU has responded firmly, warning that if the US implements the tariffs, the bloc will retaliate with significant countermeasures targeting key American industries, including bourbon, jeans, and motorcycles. This stance was reiterated by France, with a government spokeswoman reaffirming that the EU is prepared to respond if necessary.
European leaders also dismissed Trump's assertion about the EU's founding purpose, noting that the bloc was established to promote peace, mutual respect, and fair trade among nations.
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