Calls for a Stronger European Stance in Trade Dispute with the United States are growing, with Franziska Brantner, leader of the Green Party, urging Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) to adopt a firmer approach.
Brantner, in comments to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, articulated a demand for the Chancellor to actively champion European interests and foster a self-assured European trade policy. She emphasized the importance of a clear and decisive response to what she described as a “direct attack” on Europe through US trade threats.
The Green Party leader argued against mirroring the policies of the US President, stating that a strong and united Europe is essential to counteracting such actions. Brantner underscored the economic power inherent in the EU’s position as the world’s largest single market, highlighting the need for a cohesive strategy.
Criticizing Chancellor Merz’s perceived influence on the European Commission, Brantner expressed concern that pressure to allow large US technology corporations to dictate European regulations could ultimately harm German and European businesses and consumers. She further called for unified government support for a digital services tax and urged the government to overcome internal roadblocks hindering progress on a related proposal. Brantner warned against further strengthening the dominance of a few large digital corporations, asserting that this would come at the expense of European innovation and digital sovereignty.
