Media: France urges Brussels to take tougher stance on Trump in trade talks

As EU-US trade negotiations near a critical deadline with no agreement in sight, France is urging the European Commission to adopt a more confrontational stance in dealing with Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

The French government wants Brussels to “press the red button” if Trump refuses to agree to acceptable trade terms, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

A French official involved in trade issues, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Paris believes European negotiators must make it clear they are ready to retaliate.

“Make it clear that we’re ready to press the red button,” the official stated, emphasizing the need for greater resolve.

A second French official echoed the sentiment, warning that the EU is dealing with a partner who is escalating tensions: “The European Commission should recognize it is dealing with an ally who is ‘raising tensions in a trade war it started.’”

“This is what prompted us to raise our voice and to ask the Commission to be firm,” the official added.

The call for tougher measures comes as governments across the EU are under increasing pressure over Trump’s disruptive trade policies since his return to office in January. With an August 1 deadline set by Trump looming, Brussels is working urgently to convince US officials to reduce tariffs on European goods.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on July 23. The two leaders will discuss the potential imposition of 30 percent US tariffs on all EU imports — a sharp increase from the current 10 percent.

While Germany is reportedly open to striking a quick deal to protect its export-heavy economy, France is pushing to hold out for better terms. “France wants the Commission’s negotiating method to evolve,” France’s economy ministry said. “The goal should not be to reach an agreement at any price.”

Industry Minister Marc Ferracci is engaging with French industry leaders and will urge EU unity during meetings with his German and Italian counterparts. Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin has also advocated using EU countermeasures, such as the Anti-Coercion Instrument, if negotiations fail.

Despite continued talks, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič admitted after a recent Washington visit that “a deal had not been reached.”

By Vafa Guliyeva