United EU response needed for Trump “disastrous” tariffs, Ó Ríordáin says

In the wake of “Liberation Day,” where US President Donald Trump announced a series of sweeping tariffs on major global economies, Dublin MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said the move is “vindictive and economically disastrous.”

He said that the scale of the issue necessitates for a strategic and united EU response.

The Labour MEP said, “Trump’s destructive tariffs fuel a trade war that shackles workers, families and businesses across the globe. Millions of jobs are now at risk, prices will rise, and ordinary people will suffer the most. This recklessness could trigger the worst economic crisis since the 2008 financial crash,” he warned.

Ireland’s economy is in the direct line of fire; the European Union as a whole was hit with a 20% tariff, while the UK was hit by a 10% tariff.

“Ireland never imagined it would be forced to choose between its two closest allies. But Trump’s decision yesterday shattered that illusion. He is an unpredictable and dangerous adversary who blatantly rejects our values and bullies vulnerable developing countries already struggling with economic hardship,” Ó Ríordáin said.

“We have to recast our collective mindset and reject the false notion we are between Europe and America. Ireland is a net contributor to the European Union. We have a strong position within the Union. We are European and our response will be European.

“The EU is the world’s largest trading bloc. It has a broad toolbox at its disposal and it must be ready to respond calmly, decisively, and strategically. While we must push for a negotiated solution, we cannot allow Trump to dictate the terms. Trump pits workers against each other while giving free rein to corrupt oligarchs who believe the rules don’t apply to them.

He stated that “Europe must not bow to Trump’s demands. We will defend European interests, protect the hard won progress we have made, and I will continue to fight for Irish workers and businesses.”