Economic turbulence ‘must be kept to a minimum’ between EU and US

Ireland’s trade minister said that the period of uncertainty and economic turbulence must be “kept to a minimum”, as he urged further engagement between the US and the European Union to avoid a trade war.

Simon Harris made the comments as met with a delegation from the Slovak Republic, led by the minister of foreign and European affairs, Juraj Blanar, in Dublin on Friday.

The pair discussed bilateral relations, European co-operation and wider global challenges.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that Slovakia is the among the most impacted by the decision of the United States to impose 25% tariffs on cars.

The car tariffs will come into effect on April 2, with charges on businesses importing vehicles starting next Thursday.

Taxes on parts are set to start in May or later.

In a statement, the Tanaiste said it is vital that the EU works together to “prepare for this changed trading environment”.

“Tariffs are bad for consumers and for our economies on both sides of the Atlantic,” he added.

“We need to ensure the period of uncertainty and economic turbulence is kept to a minimum and that as quickly as possibly the US and the EU engage to find a way forward that works and crucially works for all our people and our economies.”

The Tanaiste said he will speak to more European colleagues next week.

Speaking after his meeting with Mr Blanar, the Tanaiste said that relations between Ireland and Slovakia have deepened significantly.

“I look forward to further consolidating our relationship and stepping up cooperation within the EU as our Presidency of the Council in 2026 approaches,” he added.

“Strong European unity, including as a community of values, is now more important than ever.”

During his visit, Mr Blanar visited Trinity College Dublin and met with members of the Slovakian community, including Joe Veselsky, aged 106, a Holocaust survivor of Slovak origin, who lives in Dublin.