Emma McClarkin, on behalf of the ECR Group. – Mr President, Commissioner Malmström, thank you for your statement this morning. The United Kingdom and the European Union are close allies of the United States – the UK both as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, and as a nuclear power. The close cooperation between the UK, the EU and the US through NATO and other international forums is the cornerstone of international peace and security. So it is with great regret that we now see the impact that the US decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium will have on us here in the EU.

The ECR therefore welcomes the UK and the EU’s clarity that tariffs are not the right way to address the global problem of steel overcapacity. Instead, a multilateral solution is needed. Nonetheless, it is right that the UK and the EU seek to defend our domestic industries from US tariffs, but any countermeasures by the EU must be in accordance with international trade law and should not exacerbate an already tense situation. We should lead by example, to demonstrate that we believe in free trade and the rules-based multilateral trade system.

I would like to reiterate the UK’s commitment to working closely with the EU and its partners to consider the scope for exemptions as outlined by the US. However, I would like clarification on three points. Firstly, Canada, Mexico and Australia have been excluded from these measures, with the US citing their close security alliances for this decision. Does the Commission believes that the US is seeking for the EU to negotiate a security agreement to address those concerns? Secondly, is the Commission re-evaluating its measures to tackle the overcapacity of steel? Thirdly, which EU markets will be most affected by diverted trade to Europe because of these tariffs?