Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sharply criticized European Union (EU) leaders for their passive stance in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, describing them as “cowardly rabbits.”
The Context of Orban’s Criticism
Orban’s remarks were made during a press conference in Budapest, where he stood alongside Alice Weidel of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He expressed skepticism about the current EU leadership’s capacity to defend the bloc’s interests in economic disputes with the US, particularly as tensions escalate over proposed tariffs.
Orban’s Call for Action
During his speech, Orban emphasized that the leaders of the EU are “sitting like cowardly rabbits” and failing to make serious proposals in negotiations with Washington. He argued that existing EU institutions are not credible and urged that the EU’s two largest economies, Germany and France, should take the initiative to present their own proposals regarding import tariffs.
“There’s no mercy for the weak,” Orban warned, stressing the need for the EU to be proactive in its approach to the US.
US Tariff Threats
On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% duty on all steel and aluminum imports into the US, effective next month and without exceptions. This move poses a significant threat to EU trade, as EU steel exports to the US have averaged around €3 billion ($3.10 billion) annually over the last decade.
In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the proposed tariffs would not go unanswered, indicating that the EU would implement “firm and proportionate countermeasures.”
The Ongoing Trade Dispute
The current trade tensions between Washington and Brussels date back to 2018 when Trump first imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum, citing national security concerns. This action prompted retaliatory tariffs from the EU, resulting in a trade conflict involving over $10 billion worth of goods.
In 2021, a temporary resolution was reached when the EU and US agreed to remove some tariffs on aluminum and steel for specific quantities produced entirely within the EU, while both sides continued discussions for a long-term trade agreement.
Future Implications
As the trade dispute evolves, Orban’s critique reflects broader concerns within the EU about its readiness to confront US economic policies. His call for stronger leadership from key EU nations highlights the ongoing struggle for the bloc to assert its economic interests on the global stage.
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