US President Donald Trump imposed additional duties on Goods from Europe. The EU is currently preparing for a large commercial contract.

the man behind The goggles (m.): Sonny Perdue, U.S. agricultural Minister photo: ap

BRUSSELS taz | It sounds like a bad joke: Since Saturday, the U.S. to levy punitive duties on steel nails, and staples from Europe. Wire and cable are affected. What looks at first glance like a Bagatelle, in Brussels for a fight.

Because the EU Commission is preparing for a major trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump. Authorities boss Ursula von der Leyen wants to fly in February to Washington, the Deal for threading. The new punitive tariffs come at an inopportune time.

you are a burden on the strained relations and could lead to new retaliatory measures. As the U.S.-punitive tariffs were imposed on steel and aluminum in 2018, has responded to the EU with special levies on Jeans, Whiskey or motorcycle brand Harley Davidson. This time would not keep von der Leyen at the favorite silent – in order not to endanger the discussions with Trump.

calling The USA, the EU to relax its rule, and the Import of Chlorine chicken and hormone-treated meat allow. At the end of January, Trump had sent its agriculture Minister Sonny Perdue to Brussels. Since then, the growing concern that the EU could leave the Commission on the table.

"Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should take before the back room deals with Donald Trump in Eight," said the green MEP Anna Cavazzini of the taz. "If such a Deal includes the Lowering of food standards or more import commitments for dirty Fracking Gas, will you come here on massive resistance."

the EU countries are on the alert. "Here are all very nervous – nobody knows what the EU's planning Commission," said an EU Diplomat. The new US duties on staples and steel nails have not changed anything, on the contrary, The authorities in Brussels are to be silent also.