Non-partisan Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer has expressed deep misunderstanding regarding the recent tariff threats issued by US President Donald Trump. Speaking to the ntv news site on Friday, Weimer stated that the regulation of major platforms should not devolve into a trade policy matter. He clarified that the debate is not about unilaterally discriminating against US companies, but rather about ensuring fair competitive conditions and maintaining a diverse media market for everyone.
Weimer also emphasized that the proposed Platform Soli fee is specifically designed not to be a tax, but rather a ring-fenced, dedicated levy.
This statement comes amid Trump’s prior threat to impose a 100% tariff on all imported goods from any European country that implements a digital levy targeting American technology conglomerates, regardless of existing customs agreements. Austria, France, Italy, and Spain are currently already collecting various forms of digital taxes.
The EU states only approved the implementation of the US customs agreement last Thursday. However, the EU has planned countermeasures: should the US pursue further tariff increases, the EU is prepared to suspend the current customs concessions.
