Emergency Resolution: Transatlantic Relations

The transatlantic relationship between the European Union and the United States has been a pillar of global stability and shared prosperity in spite of regular trade frictions and political divergences regarding the role of international law and multilateralism. However, in light of growing trade tensions and escalating tariff disputes, as well as with US attempts to aggressively interfere with domestic policies, it is imperative that this relationship is rebalanced on the principles of fairness, mutual respect, and social justice. No one country should set the rules. Moreover, the uncertainty and unpredictable behaviour of the American administration should lead the EU to implement a de-risking policy to reduce Europe’s strategic dependencies with the US through searching for new export markets and fostering internal European demand and supply diversification.

With fears of recession growing, the last thing workers need is another irresponsible battle between the US and Europe. The recent decision by the United States to impose tariffs—such as the 25% tariff on European automotive exports and on steel and aluminium—undermines the spirit of cooperation and risks pushing both economies toward recession. Even temporary waivers or delays in tariff implementation only add uncertainty for workers and industries already under pressure.

Trade wars and retaliatory tariffs are not only economically harmful but also socially destructive, risking extensive job losses and threatening the integrity of Europe’s industrial base while raising costs and undermining competitiveness on the other side of the Atlantic. The EU must defend its economic interests, but it needs to go beyond mere retaliatory measures. Retaliatory tariffs risk triggering a cycle of escalation that benefits no one. The European Union must focus on decisive, strategic action to safeguard both industrial capacities and jobs. What is needed is a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy, one that combines trade policy with large-scale investments to support European production, boost domestic demand, diversify trade partnerships and protect quality jobs.

We reaffirm the central role of trade unions in shaping this future. Workers must never be collateral damage in geopolitical disputes.

With this resolution, we urge European governments and the EU to:

• Develop a comprehensive industrial and trade strategy that moves beyond reactive tariffs and focuses on investment, innovation, sustainable development and job protection and creation through the further development of the internal market
• Expand instruments such as SURE, the EGF and ESF+ to support workers affected by trade shocks and transform them into precautionary tools to save jobs on the basis of social conditionalities
• Enhance strategic autonomy in critical sectors, such as energy-intensive, automotive, steel, and technology, reducing reliance on vulnerable trade relationships
• Accelerate efforts to diversify and cooperate with trade partners who are willing to engage in fair and socially responsible Free Trade Agreements based on universal rules, respect of workers’ rights and sustainability rules, with the involvement of trade unions
• Foster a global agenda to (re)build a multilateral fair-trade regime and related institutions
• To work towards a progressive, international rules-based system, with a fully functioning World Trade Organisation (WTO)
• Increase commitment from the EU and the US to find a positive outcome in relation to the Global Agreement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium
• Continue to inform and consult trade unions on relevant trade issues affecting transatlantic relations
• Pursue a coherent industrial policy in order to strengthen Europe as a business location in international competition, e.g. by reducing energy costs or European investment programs to promote transformation