Why Did Trump Suddenly Post About Tariffs on the EU?
Trump's dissatisfaction with Europe has a long history. According to reports, Trump's economic team has privately complained to European officials that the differences among EU member states on trade priorities have slowed down the negotiation process.
They believe Europe has been too cautious in negotiations, unwilling to propose concrete solutions to issues of concern to the U.S., such as streaming service fees, value-added tax, automotive regulations, and antitrust penalties imposed on American companies.
The White House's Maximum Pressure: Patience Worn Thin, Striking Hard
EU officials have sought to find a middle ground in responding to the U.S., being neither as tough as China nor as passive as the UK.
In stark contrast to Trump's aggressive negotiation strategy, the EU has adopted a more robust and process-oriented approach to negotiations, which includes frequent consultations with the 27 member states. This consensus-based model is undoubtedly seen by the Trump administration as the 'culprit' delaying the negotiations.
