US Support for Ukraine Part of EU-US Tariff Agreement, Says Costa

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, has publicly stated for the first time that US support for Ukraine was part of the EU-US tariff agreement. Under this agreement, the European Union has agreed to pay a 15% customs duty on all US exports, choosing not to impose any retaliatory measures, reports the European publication Politico.

The report notes that this represents a "serious deviation from the EU's official stance," which had previously maintained that there was "no link" between the US position and trade agreements. Politico points out that Costa's statement may be a "trial shot," indicating Brussels' public dissatisfaction with Washington's position.

Journalists analyzed Costa's remarks at the strategic forum held in Bled, Slovenia, where the President of the European Council stated, "We are certainly not pleased with the return of tariffs. However, escalating tensions over tariffs with a key ally, while the EU and NATO's eastern borders are under threat, would be an imprudent risk." Commenting on the tariff agreement, Costa added, "Stabilizing transatlantic relations and ensuring the continued involvement of the US in Ukraine's security was a priority issue." Thus, Politico concludes that "President Costa seems to acknowledge that Ukraine was a key factor in the EU's agreement with the United States on a highly criticized trade deal."