Commissioner Šefčovič expressed his appreciation for the hospitality of Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, US Trade Representative-designate Jameson Greer, and NEC Director Kevin Hasset. They spent four hours together, including in the impressive Roosevelt Room at the White House.
Upon arrival, Šefčovič emphasized that while European interests are protected, constructive dialogue is sought to avoid unnecessary measures and countermeasures.
The genuine engagement we had yesterday was important:
- to reiterate how massive the EU-US economic partnership is, worth approximately USD 1.7 trillion;
- to better understand some of the underlying issues the US administration wants to address;
- and how we can move forward by fostering reciprocity, fairness, and mutual benefits.
We realize that we share some of the same challenges, such as global overcapacities driven by non-market practices, and that the EU is part of the solution rather than a problem.
We would also mutually benefit from integrating supply chains of strategic importance.
Where we dont agree, we should do our best to solve it in a way that benefits businesses and people on both sides of the Atlantic. As the US watches over their interests, so does the European Union.
Thank you.