Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) recently traveled throughout the European Union (EU) to discuss President Donald Trump's ongoing negotiations for new trade deals, saying, "As I reiterated to our counterparts in the EU this past week, I look forward to working with the President to finalize a strong, fair trade deal that reflects our shared economic goals and strengthens the transatlantic alliance."
Rep. Buchanan spoke with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, President Maia Sandu of Moldova, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, interim President Ilie Bolojan, and Greece's Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis.
"During the past week, I had the privilege of leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the European Union in Belgium, as well as Moldova, Romania, and Greece. Throughout the trip, we engaged with senior government officials, civic leaders, and American and local business owners to promote effective governance and strengthen strategic relationships," said Rep. Buchanan, in his press release, adding, "The central focus of our discussions was the importance of fostering a fair and balanced trade relationship—one that creates opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic and supports long-term economic growth."
At the beginning of April, President Trump announced multiple tariffs on foreign imports from multiple countries, which were quick to respond with offers to negotiate new trade deals, with tariffs reduced or removed altogether.
The tariffs have garnered praise from Republicans, including Representative Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL), who said, "If there's outrage about a tariff that the United States is doing in another country, well, why is there no outrage because those countries have the tariffs on the United States?"
"That is just not sustainable. It's affecting our economy ... And I commend the President for finally standing up for the American working class, for American jobs, and for the American economy," Rep. Diaz Balart added.
Similarly, Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) said, "This is not 1945; this is 2025. In 1945, the rest of the world was devastated by World War II, and we wanted to help all nations, right?"
"And we have done that, but now we are saying, 'Hey, treat us fairly. We have been a great trading partner of yours for years. Why are you taxing us here and ours not being equal?' The President is saying, 'Let's equal this out,'" Rep. Haridopolos continued.
Rep. Buchanan expressed the same sentiment after returning from Europe, saying, "As I return home, I'm pleased to see President Trump's assurance to pursue a trade agreement with the European Union."
"As I reiterated to our counterparts in the EU this past week, I look forward to working with the President to finalize a strong, fair trade deal that reflects our shared economic goals and strengthens the transatlantic alliance," Buchanan concluded.
