Warsaw: The EU foreign policy chief has emphasized that trade wars yield no victors, in response to the United States’ recent decision to impose a 20% tariff on European goods. Speaking at a defense ministers’ meeting in Poland, Kaja Kallas highlighted the adverse effects of these tariffs on consumer prices.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kallas expressed the necessity for the European Union to enhance its defense industry capabilities. She noted the current reliance on American imports and the need to diversify procurement sources. Kallas emphasized the importance of developing the capacity to produce domestically and indicated that the EU would seek to collaborate with other allies for arms supplies.
Kallas also pointed out the significant role European countries are playing in supporting Ukraine, supplying more than half of its ammunition needs. However, she stressed the urgency of accelerating this support to ensure prompt assistance to Ukraine. She anticipated that the defense ministers’ meeting would yield announcements of additional short-term aid to Ukraine, asserting the importance of strengthening Ukraine both on the battlefield and at the negotiation table.