European politics and business at the crossroads in the face of Trumpian tariffs

The issue, however, is today (and to some extent also tomorrow): how to behave not only - or, at least, not only - in the face of this horrendous tariff policy, but also in the face of a (I hope very momentary) closure towards historical alliances and the attempts, which are blatant, to affect the functioning and, above all, the unity of other institutions, starting with the European one.

Wanting to push (force) companies to move production to America and other countries (especially European ones) to buy more from the United States, repudiates the recalled principle of the free movement of goods: it is really strange to note that such impositions (or, rather, attempts to impose them) come from the country that has always represented the bastion of democracy and freedom for westerners.

In the face of this blatant overpowering will (and the suspension is even more indicative of this), thinking of us and Europe, there are two possibilities for re-action, which belong as much to the political level as to the business world and which involve different actors.

On the political level, one can be more or less in line with the thoughts of the so-called 'tycoon', going along with, for example, the imposition of agreements with him, perhaps to be flaunted as great achievements resulting from great personal credibility; or, vice versa, one can be an important and convinced part of the Union to which, on paper, one belongs and which, precisely on the basis of these disreputable American inputs, could find, as many have wished, its own strength to 'be' and not only 'appear' to be a Union.

Then there is the hitherto little considered world of economic realities: and, here too, one can decide to adapt, individually, to the impositions (not only duties) and decide, for example, to transfer one's production (or part of it) to the United States, or decide, as a unit, not to submit to the impositions, strengthening oneself in new markets and creating new opportunities, while waiting for this storm to pass.

Should this second option be considered not only unrealistic but somehow feasible (or, at least, assessable), a role, even as a driver, could and should be taken on by the various European 'Confindustries' which, united and united, could(ro) promote solutions capable of releasing innovative vitality.

Awareness of the strength of European industries, together with the bargaining capacity of their representatives, could be a real driving force for a just and lucid response to the current abuses, which are all the more painful and delicate because they come from the world that, until some time ago, was seen (obviously mistakenly) as the ultimate expression of freedom.

The corporate representation complex can do much to stop the multiple epigones of vassalage, reminding them that the latter, both politically and economically, has never elevated anyone from the rank of subordinate.