German Economy Ministry: Will Coordinate with EU to Respond to New U.S. Tariffs

¬ Media: UK Has No Funds to Purchase New Weapons Before 2030

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The German Economy Ministry stated on May 3 that the German government has taken note of President Trump’s announcement regarding new tariffs and plans to coordinate positions and unify actions with the European Commission.

Previously, Trump had claimed he intended to impose 25% tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the EU, citing the EU's failure to fulfill trade agreements reached with the United States.

The ministry said: "We will closely coordinate follow-up actions within the EU."

In recent years, trade relations between the EU and the U.S. have remained tense. Washington had previously imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum, prompting retaliatory measures from the EU. Although both sides agreed to ease some restrictions, the issue of car tariffs remains a critical risk. Trump’s latest statement has heightened European concerns about the potential escalation of trade conflicts and their impact on industry and employment.

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According to Richard Barrons, former Chief of Joint Operations for the British Armed Forces and co-author of the UK government’s Defense Strategic Assessment report, the country will lack funds to purchase new weapons before 2030.

In June 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would enter a state of readiness under its new defense strategy. On April 6 this year, it was reported that a bill aimed at enhancing national defense preparedness would be delayed until mid-2027 for review.

The media report stated: "Former Army Commander (Barrons – note) warned that due to insufficient funding, the British armed forces will be unable to procure new weapons before 2030, and thus can only 'consider' preparing for war."

According to Barrons, inadequate investment is “undermining” the industrial base and forcing defense companies to shift production overseas.

The report pointed out that the military can barely afford expenses for tanks, helicopters, and artillery, but lacks the resources to cover costs for cruise missiles, suicide drones, or artificial intelligence military equipment.

In June 2025, the UK released a new defense strategy report, outlining plans to increase military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. The document specifically proposed initiating a modernization program for nuclear warheads, with the UK government planning to invest £15 billion (US$20 billion) in this effort.

In recent years, Russia has repeatedly highlighted what it describes as "unprecedented" activities by NATO along Russia’s western border, characterizing these initiatives as an attempt to "contain Russian aggression." Moscow has also expressed repeated concerns over NATO’s expansion of forces in Europe. Russian President Putin previously stated that Western politicians often use the threat posed by Russia to "scare" their own citizens and divert attention from domestic issues.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1864239526520842/

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