Brussels, my love? EU fears trade war and climate crisis under Trump

Our guests this week included Matthew Robinson, the director of the Euro-Gulf Information Centre, Natalie McNelis, a trade lawyer covering mergers and acquisitions for MLex and Gregg Svingen, a senior advisor with Rud Pedersen, Public Affairs and spokesperson for Democrats Abroad.

The panel reacted to Donald Trump’s US election victory and pondered what it could mean for EU/US ties. Whilst out campaigning, Donald Trump made comments about the ‘lovely EU’, adding that they would have to ‘pay the price’ for not buying American products.

Trade expert Natalie McNelis fears a trade war is inevitable as Trump’s favourite word is ‘tariff’.

“He (Trump) doesn’t seem to understand the consequences of tariffs. Tariffs will definitely raise prices for the consumer in the United States. But it will also have huge implications all around the world,” she said.

On the eve of COP29 and on the week scientists warn that 2024 will be the hottest year on record, the panel also questioned if another Trump era will have a negative effect on climate change action in the short term.

“I think there’s a big chance of that,” said Matthew Robinson.

Watch ‘Brussels, my love? in the player above.