Frankfurt (Germany), 22 January (LaPresse) – ‘New tariffs would also undermine the foundations of transatlantic relations. If they were introduced, Europe's response would be united, calm, measured and firm.’ This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In outlining the strategy in the era of great powers, Merz reiterated that there is no room for protectionism and isolation. ‘There is no place for isolationism and protectionism in this agenda,’ he said, stressing that the European goal is to strengthen common rules, fair trade and a level playing field. According to the Chancellor, the European Union must be ‘the antithesis of state-sponsored unfair trade practices, protectionism on raw materials, technology bans and arbitrary tariffs.’ In this context, ‘tariffs must be replaced by rules, and these rules must be respected by trading partners.’