Dirk Jandura, President of the German Retail Federation (BGA), has urged the European Union to maintain a measured approach in its trade dispute with the United States. Speaking to the Bayern media group, Jandura suggested that Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s criticism of the EU’s negotiation strategy as being too detailed reflects a growing apprehension ahead of July 9th, the deadline for a temporary suspension of planned US tariffs.
Despite this, Jandura expressed strong praise for the EU’s negotiating team. He stated that the EU has consistently pursued a factual and strategically sound course, effectively uniting the interests of its member states while negotiating with the US on an equal footing – all without escalating the conflict. “Brussels should maintain its course, not allow itself to become nervous and also refer to services, in which the EU has a deficit with the US. I think the EU is doing a good job” Jandura commented.
Jandura also indicated that Germany’s foreign trade hopes the new German government will demonstrate a better understanding of free trade agreements. He expressed a desire that such agreements would not be misused in Brussels to pursue other political objectives.
While cautioning against underestimating the significance of the US, Jandura also advised against overstating its importance. He acknowledged that a failure to reach constructive solutions with the US would undoubtedly have negative consequences, but emphasized that the situation is not catastrophic. “We should maintain a cool head” he concluded.
