D. Saková: We support balanced dialogue with the USA, but we will protect our interests.

The current negotiations on trade relations between the European Union and the United States of America were the main topic of the meeting of trade ministers of the EU member states, which took place today in Brussels. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková once again confirmed her support for a constructive dialogue aimed at stabilizing trade relations and minimizing the negative impacts on European economies.

“We appreciate the willingness of the United States to engage in dialogue, but the truth is that this is a complex and demanding process, the outcome of which will depend on the mutual willingness to seek compromise. For Slovakia—as an open economy—maintaining a stable and predictable trade environment with the U.S. is essential. The automotive sector directly and indirectly employs nearly 280,000 people in our country, and we must protect them from such disproportionate barriers,” said Denisa Saková.

Currently, several tariff measures imposed by the United States on the European Union remain in place. Although President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended the introduction of new tariffs of 20% on selected groups of goods, the 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain in force. These measures continue to create uncertainty for several key industries, including the automotive sector, which holds exceptional importance for the Slovak economy.

The European Commission, under the leadership of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, is therefore continuing negotiations with the aim of reaching a balanced and mutually beneficial solution. At the same time, ministers also discussed possible EU responses in the event that the negotiations fail to bring an agreement. The Union is prepared to apply counterbalancing measures, including retaliatory tariffs, which were pre-approved as part of a defensive mechanism against unilateral actions.

“We are not trying to provoke or escalate a trade war, but trade relations with the U.S. must be fair and balanced. Such tensions also highlight the importance of diversifying trade relations, for example in the form of free trade between the EU and Latin America, or investment opportunities from China. Slovakia is fully aware of these contexts, and therefore we are developing trade relations with the growing economies of Asia,” Saková concluded.

The Press Department of MoE SR