Final Word from Tuesday, April 1, 2025
One of the usual European responses to Donald Trump's tariffs is, "Trade wars always end up hurting everyone, and most of all the ones who started them." Transport Min. Martin Kupka of ODS used this line on ČT24 yesterday and said that he's convinced and hopes that Europe is prepared to negotiate with Trump and to look for the best solution. Trump apparently doesn't mind if Europe hits back even harder, because he's on a crusade to return manufacturing to America. Something similar could be said of Vladimir Putin and his approach to sanctions. He complains about them but is using them to implement an extensive strategy of import substitution. Sanctions are merely a trade war by a different name, but Europe doesn't entertain the possibility that the same adage applies to them as to tariffs: "Sanctions always end up hurting everyone, and most of all those who started them." Europe will soon see whether it's strong enough and has enough resources to fight two major trade wars at once. [ Czech Republic duty duties Russia ]
Glossary of difficult words
crusade - a vigorous campaign for political, social or religious change;
to entertain - to give attention or consideration to (an idea or feeling);
adage - a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.