EU must protect jobs in response to threat of trade war

Meeting today industriAll Europe’s Executive Committee calls on the EU and European governments to ensure that industrial workers are protected in the context of an escalating trade conflict with the new US administration. IndustriAll Europe stands against trade wars.

This situation underscores the importance of Europe taking charge of its own industrial future. Strategic autonomy and economic security must be priorities, not just aspirations.

IndustriAll Europe calls for European leaders (both within and beyond the EU) to urgently bring in measures in response to the decision of the US administration to impose a 25% tariff rate on automotive exports from Europe, and in the likelihood that there will additional tariffs applied to other EU exports to the US in the coming days.

Limiting the response to trade retaliation measures will not protect jobs. Instead, a dual approach is needed: a SURE-style job protection mechanism coupled with a permanent investment facility up to the task of prioritising quality jobs in a volatile geopolitical environment, and a proactive European industrial policy strategy focused on stimulating internal demand for European manufacturing value chains within the European market.

The EU needs a strong, coordinated response that prioritises safeguarding jobs and that supports our industries, and strengthens our manufacturing base. Investing in European industry and supporting its workers is essential to securing our long-term stability.

Yesterday’s decision in Washington makes a rapid and well-resourced European Industrial Plan all the more important. It must be ambitious enough to respond to the challenges faced by the targeted sectors and our wider industrial fabric.