The European Union has given the green light to counter-tariffs in response to the United States . The tariffs, at 25% for most products , will be applied in three installments: the first from April 15, the second from May 16, the third from December 1.

The green light came from the so-called Comitology, a procedure that involves the participation of representatives of member states in issuing a formal opinion on implementing acts of the Commission. The vote was by show of hands, with the only vote against being that of Hungary .

The duties have a total value of 20.9 billion euros , according to Commission sources. The collection will be gradual : the first tranche starting on April 15 is worth 3.9 billion euros, the second on May 16 is worth 13.5 billion and the third, on December 1, is worth 3.5 billion.

The tariffs, the Commission specifies in a note, « may be suspended at any time, if the United States accepts a fair and balanced negotiated solution ».

"The EU - the statement continues - believes that US tariffs are unjustified and harmful, as they cause economic damage to both parties and to the global economy". It therefore reiterates the "clear preference for seeking negotiated solutions with the United States, which are balanced and mutually beneficial".

(Unioneonline/L)

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