"EU defends sovereign right to decide" - Bloc reacts after Trump's threat to tech companies
The fragile alliance between the European Union and the United States has deteriorated further after a surprise threat from President Donald Trump. He warned of imposing "significant additional tariffs" on countries that pass laws against American technology companies. According to Trump, these measures will be implemented "if discriminatory actions are not removed." The American leader did not specify the possible level of tariffs.
The European Commission, which seemed unprepared for this warning from the White House, reacted by defending its right to adopt laws without external pressure.
"It is the sovereign right of the EU and its member states to decide on economic activities on our territory, in accordance with our democratic values," said Paula Pinho, the Commission's chief spokeswoman.
Trump's comments cast serious doubt on the sustainability of the trade deal that the EU and the US signed in late July to avert a trade war. Under the pact, most EU goods are taxed at a 15% rate, which is supposed to be "inclusive", meaning that no other customs duties will be applied to them.
The agreement also includes non-binding commitments to spend $750 billion on American energy, invest $600 billion in the American market and buy $40 billion in US chips.
"We believe that this agreement has provided predictability and stability. We have a clear framework within which we are working. Any other measures that fall outside this framework for the time being remain purely speculative," Pinho said.
During the trade talks, the Commission refused to make concessions on technology regulations, such as the Digital Services Act, which aims to combat illegal content and online disinformation. The Digital Markets Act also guarantees free and fair competition, while the Artificial Intelligence Act sets rules for technology systems that pose a risk to security and human rights.
Apple, Meta, Alphabet and the X network are all subject to investigations under these laws. All of these companies have strengthened ties to the White House in recent months, with several of their CEOs photographed in the front row at Trump's inauguration in January.
Summer 2025, among the hottest in Spain - Extreme temperatures were driven by the historic August wave
The summer of 2025 is expected to rank as one of the two hottest ever recorded in Spain, almost equaling 2022. Both of these periods significantly exceed the......
US tariffs on India come into effect - Taxes on imports of Indian goods double
United States President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on goods from India to 50% and they went into effect, escalating tensions between the two strategic......
Asset Revaluation, Recommendations on the Draft - American Chamber: Changes to Property Donations and Businesses
The new draft law on the revaluation of real estate, which will allow owners, whether individuals or businesses, to update the value of their properties......
AAPSK and UNICEF Albania sign cooperation agreement to transform confiscated assets into social spaces for children and the community
The Agency for the Administration of Sequestered and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK) and UNICEF Albania signed today a Cooperation Agreement aimed at transforming......
Dimal Basha elected Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo - Basha: Focus on the country's economic development and a sovereign state
After six months of political deadlock, the Kosovo Assembly has a new speaker. Deputies elected Dimal Basha with 73 votes in favor, 30 against and 3......
"Serbia's future in the EU" - President Vučić, ready for dialogue with protesters
Serbia and its government remain committed to dialogue, despite the protesters’ refusal to accept offers of public debate or early elections, Serbian......
VAT refund, 130 million euros returned to businesses - 7 months/ 43 million euros were refunded in June alone
Nearly 130 million euros have been returned to businesses in the country in 7 months, in the form of paid VAT, through the refund procedure. Divided by......
Management of public assets by the Investment Corporation - Altax Report: Strong transparency and control mechanisms are needed
To promote faster economic development, Albania has focused on mobilizing public assets to overcome financial constraints. In this regard, a central role has......
