U.S. Tariffs Are Unacceptable: Italian President Mattarella
Presidents Donald Trump (L) and Sergio Mattarella (R). X/ @Weeklyvoice
March 24, 2025 Hour: 1:13 pm
‘Open markets satisfy two vital interests: peace and our essential export interests,’ he said.
On Monday, speaking at an event in Rome on the 68th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, Italian President Sergio Mattarella criticized the proposed U.S. tariffs, calling them “unacceptable to all.”
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“Open markets satisfy two vital interests: peace and our essential export interests. Tariffs create market barriers, distort trade, and penalize quality products. This is unacceptable to us, and should be unacceptable to all countries,” he said.
The treaty, which laid the foundations for the European Economic Community and ultimately the European Union, was commemorated amid discussions about the future of European integration and international trade.
Mattarella expressed “great hope that common sense prevails” in the face of potential tariff escalation. He underscored the importance of upholding fair rules.
“We must remain calm without feeding excessive concerns. The EU has the strength to intervene calmly and authoritatively to counter any unjustified decision such as the imposition of tariffs,” he noted.
Recalling on the historical significance of European integration, Mattarella called for renewed confidence in Europe’s future while also emphasizing the need for reform.
“The fact that the EU is a model imitated around the world testifies to its extraordinary success. However, it still faces shortcomings, such as the need for faster decision-making processes. We need quick and timely answers. Europe must renovate itself,” he said.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: Xinhua – NDT
