EU tackles Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, and U.S. tariff war
On Monday, April 14, the European Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefčovič, is in Washington to discuss tariffs with the Trump administration.
At the same time, EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg, having Ukraine as the primary topic on the agenda.
There is growing momentum among the 26 EU member states — all except Hungary — to start preparing the next round of sanctions against Russia. However, serious doubts hang over the renewal of the entire sanctions regime, which is set to expire in July and September, due to the need for unanimity. Budapest has repeatedly used its veto power in the past to secure the removal of numerous Russian individuals and entities from the blacklist.
As for Ukraine, ministers are expected to discuss in Luxembourg their contributions to the so-called "Kallas Plan," named after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The plan involves the distribution of 5 billion euros for two million large-caliber artillery shells this year.
EU-Africa relations will also be discussed ahead of the ministerial meeting in Brussels in May, which will bring together over 80 governments from both the African Union and the EU. The conflict in Sudan, which has sparked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 15 million people forcibly displaced, will also be discussed. The discussions will address the impact of algorithms and digital technologies on the labor market and active integration policies.
On Wednesday, April 17, ministers responsible for gender equality will meet in Poland’s capital. During the meeting, Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus — the latter two set to follow Poland as the upcoming Council of the EU presidency countries — are expected to sign a declaration on gender equality.
A divided Europe on the brink of an economic war
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will meet U.S. President Donald Trump for an official working visit on Wednesday. Meloni’s visit follows Washington’s announcement of a 90-day suspension of tariffs, which prompted Brussels to suspend its own retaliatory tariffs of 22 billion euros that were initially set to take effect on Tuesday. However, negative market reactions are still evident.
Meloni finds herself in a difficult position, as, despite being a close ally of Trump, she must also defend Italy’s economy, which is already affected by American tariffs.
Different EU member states have adopted varying strategies. While France has advocated for a more aggressive response targeting American technology, countries such as Ireland, Italy, and Spain urge caution and continued dialogue to avoid escalating the dispute.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
