Milan, 23 Feb. (LaPresse) – “Tariffs are a wrong choice that does not benefit the European or American economy. That they are a mistake was said by Meloni from the start. I would add, however, that we should not feed alarmism, nor be driven by impulses for commercial retaliation.” This is what Tommaso Foti, Minister for European Affairs, said in an interview with Repubblica. “Regarding tariffs and counter-tariffs, Reagan used to say: with one trading partner we are in the same boat, if one makes a hole in the hull, does it make sense for the other to make another? Some say yes and call it ‘being tough,’ while I call it stupid,” he stated, emphasizing that “a reactive policy can always be pursued, but it may not yield results. Trade wars lead to commercial disasters.”
Concerning Germany’s request to the EU for a unified stance, Foti explained that at today’s meeting of Foreign Ministers, Italy will call to “build a unified and reasonable European position.” “A compromise with Washington is inevitable, because we are talking about three hundred billion in EU exports. Then it is clear that to follow this path you need two parties, and the one walking with you must not place obstacles along the way. Therefore, we cannot take anything for granted,” he added.