European Union trade ministers demonstrated strong consensus on trade relations with the United States during an emergency virtual meeting, with Cyprus calling for a “focused, common and realistic” approach to transatlantic dialogue.
Marios Panayides, Director General of Cyprus’s Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, represented Minister George Papanastasiou at the meeting, which was attended by EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
The ministers discussed the EU’s response to US steel and aluminium tariffs, with Cyprus emphasising that any potential EU countermeasures should be “evidence-based, proportionate, WTO-compatible and designed to protect the EU economy”.
Panayides welcomed the initiative for comprehensive discussions on the future of transatlantic trade relations, reaffirming the importance of a “strong and mutually beneficial partnership with the US” for regional and global stability and prosperity.
The official encouraged continued efforts to promote a constructive trade agenda with the US, highlighting the EU’s advantages as a global economic leader offering a dynamic single market and open economy that enhances trade and investment opportunities under a streamlined regulatory framework.
Ministers expressed strong support for the European Commission’s strategy for cooperation with the US in the coming weeks. While emphasising the strategic importance of EU-US partnership, they called on the Commission to remain vigilant and respond proportionately when necessary.
The meeting revealed strong consensus among EU trade ministers on the need for unity and solidarity in trade matters. Ministers also expressed their desire to maintain positive cooperation with the US to jointly remove barriers in the transatlantic market and promote economic security.
(information from CNA)
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