German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed Europe’s willingness to cooperate with the United States, but firmly stated that the European Union is ready to respond collectively if Washington imposes tariffs on steel and aluminium.
Chancellor Scholz made these remarks on Sunday at the opening of the Hanover Industrial Trade Fair, which featured Canada as its partner country this year.
Addressing recent comments by former US President Donald Trump, who speculated about annexing Canada as the 51st US state, Scholz emphasized Canada’s sovereignty.
“We stand by your side. Canada is not a state that belongs to anyone else. Canada is a proud, independent nation,” he declared.
In response to Trump’s tariff proposals, Scholz advocated for increased free trade, competitiveness, and technological independence as alternatives to protectionist policies.
He noted Europe’s readiness to respond firmly, stating:
“So I say to the United States: Europe’s goal remains cooperation. But if the US leaves us no choice, such as with the tariffs on steel and aluminium, we, as the EU, will react as one.”
Scholz also emphasized that Europe was neither naive nor weak, and warned that trade wars negatively impact all involved parties.
