In today’s increasingly volatile global context, marked by rising trade tensions and deepening market uncertainty, the European Union is navigating complex economic and geopolitical challenges. As a Member of the European Parliament, I believe it is crucial to speak clearly about the path ahead and the principles that must guide us.

The defining characteristic of the current global economic landscape is volatility. We are witnessing growing efforts—particularly originating in Washington—to restructure the global trade order. This reordering reflects broader shifts in geopolitical priorities, but it also introduces new uncertainties for European producers, exporters, and consumers.

Following recent discussions of the EU officials with their U.S. counterparts, I’ve become concerned that in Washington critical decisions are increasingly being centralized in a single source of authority. It is unusual—especially in a democracy like the United States—to see major policy choices distilled into the hands of just one individual. This trend challenges the transatlantic cooperation and partnership we’ve long relied upon.

As we learned recently, the window of opportunity for a negociated transatlantic agreement has widened further. The July 9 deadline has been extended until the 1st of August. In the same time, more political conditionalities seem to emerge, as the EU pursues a vigorous trade diversification strategy, in parallel with enforcing European strategic autonomy.

Amid this unpredictability, the European Union must assert its role as a stable, reliable partner in global affairs. We must stand firmly in defense of open, rules-based trade, while also recognizing that trade and security are now inseparably linked.

It is my firm belief that we cannot achieve true security without a strong foundation in trade. Economic cooperation builds interdependence, which in turn fosters peace. And this principle applies within the Union as well: no single Member State can guarantee security on its own. Only together, through solidarity and coordinated economic policy, can we protect our values and interests.

Looking ahead, our relationship with the United States remains pivotal. The best-case scenario is to reach a balanced agreement, de-escalating current tesions and avoiding harmful tariffs, including the 10% “baseline” levies. We must aim for a mutually beneficial agreement—one that strengthens transatlantic ties rather than strains them.

Nonetheless, we must be realistic: tariff pressures are real, and they are already impacting European exporters. We cannot afford complacency. Europe must act decisively to defend its economic interests, while continuing to promote dialogue and cooperation with our strategic partners, including, of course, but not limited to the United States.

Now more than ever, the European Union must lead with clarity, unity, and purpose, ensuring that both our economy and our security remain resilient in a rapidly changing world.

MEP Iuliu Winkler Vice-Chair, Committee on International Trade European Parliament

Article originally published on https://www.antena3.ro/be-eu/  with updates by the author.