Cowen calls for measured EU response to expected US tariffs

Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen, has issued a last-minute call to the European Commission to ensure that its response to upcoming US tariffs is both measured and strategic.

MEP Cowen’s intervention comes just ahead of the expected announcement from US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 2, outlining his most extensive set of tariffs to date.

President Trump has already imposed tariffs on steel, aluminium and the automotive sector and has hinted at additional measures targeting European exports, particularly in pharmaceuticals, as part of his wider strategy to bring production back to the US. In response, the European Union is preparing countermeasures but has agreed to delay these until mid-April to allow for a consultation process with Member States.

Speaking on the floor of the Parliament, MEP Cowen emphasised the need for unity within the EU, warning against any counter-tariff measures that could inadvertently harm European industries. He pointed out that while individual Member States and industry representatives are right to advocate for their sectors, the strength of the EU in times of crisis lies in its collective approach.

In his speech, MEP Cowen highlighted the importance of the EU not shooting itself in the foot, with an example of this being the need to scrap the idea of tariffs on alcohol. The Fianna Fáil MEP questioned why the EU was considering tariffs on U.S. bourbon, which could provoke retaliatory tariffs on European alcohol exports to the U.S. He noted that Ireland exports €420 million worth of whiskey to the U.S., compared to just €8 million of U.S. bourbon coming the other way.

The Irish Government has already begun preparations for the potential economic impact by establishing a liaison committee to support key sectors such as food, drink and pharmaceuticals. MEP Cowen has also personally made representations to the European Commission on behalf of Irish industries to ensure their concerns are heard in the formulation of the EU’s response.

"Tomorrow (April 2), the Trump administration will impose tariffs that threaten the future of the European economy - not just for months, but for years to come. Europe must respond firmly but strategically.

“We are all now well aware that the EU exports €157 billion more in goods to the U.S., while the U.S. has a €109 billion surplus in services. It is a mutually beneficial relationship - one that tariffs will only damage.

“All in all, let’s make sure the EU’s response is measured and politically precise. The goal must be to bring the U.S. back to the table - because, as we all know, a trade war will serve no one," Barry Cowen MEP said.