S&Ds call on EU leaders to stand firm and united during G7 Summit to protect multilateral trade and the Iran nuclear deal
Speaking ahead of the G7 Summit starting today in Charlevoix, Canada, S&D Group leader Udo Bullmann said:
“With the United States putting at stake global economic stability and peace, we expect the G6 leaders to make a strong statement: We want them to make clear that they stand firm and united against any kind of force trying to undermine global rules and destabilise the world order.
“President Trump’s decision to impose unilateral trade measures is absurd and unjustified. The US punitive tariffs are in breach of international trade law and they take aim, not only at allies, but also at the global rules-based trade order itself. The fact that Trump is alone on this and that the G6 have reacted promptly and in a concerted way is a very positive sign. It clearly shows that isolationism is in isolation.
“We Socialists and Democrats fully support the European Commission’s and the EU leaders’ decision to respond firmly with proportionate countermeasures. We believe that there are no winners in trade wars and we do not want to see an escalation. However, we cannot negotiate with Trump for as long as there are guns are on the table. Unfortunately, the US administration left us with no other option but this.
“We thus call on the European Commission and the European leaders to stand firm and united in their decision to impose a series of retaliatory measures on the US. Europe must stand strong and must not cave in to bullying efforts from the Trump administration. The future of European workers, industries and multilateral trade are at stake. We must protect them.
“Another attempt by Donald Trump to dismantle international rules is the recent announcement to withdraw the US from the Iran Nuclear Deal. It is a dangerous, and irresponsible decision that risks undermining global peace in the Middle East. We strongly support Commission’s proposal to protect European companies dealing with Iran from the US sanctions by activating the Blocking Statute and removing obstacles for the European Investment Bank to finance activities in Iran. We call on the rest of the international community to remain committed to the full implementation of this historical agreement.
“Aside from defending our legitimate interests, Europe also has a global role to play. In times of rising populism and protectionism, Europe must be the anchor of rules-based global trade system and respect for international law. It is therefore for economic, legal and political reasons that European leaders must oppose the unilateral trade measures by the US. And, it is in the name of global peace and security that we must fully implement the Iran nuclear deal. To this end, we will continue to work with our allies to uphold international rules.”