French Minister Slams US Tariffs

In a recent interview with France Inter, Eric Lombard, France's Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industry, strongly criticized the escalating trade tensions between the US and the European Union. He described the latest US tariffs on European automakers as damaging and counterproductive, warning of the potential harm to both economies.

Call for Cooperation Over Confrontation

Lombard emphasized that cooperation, not confrontation, is the essential path to resolving trade disputes. "Very bad news and an uncooperative act," he remarked, highlighting the negative impact of the tariffs.

EU Prepares Retaliatory Measures

The minister confirmed that the EU is in the process of preparing retaliatory tariffs on US goods, with the European Commission finalizing a targeted list. Despite this, Lombard expressed hope for a swift realization by both parties of the futility of a prolonged trade war.

He presented the situation as a critical choice between passively accepting further aggression or taking a measured stance to protect European interests.