The head of European aircraft maker Airbus on Saturday called for transatlantic subsidies around aircraft subsidies.There should be a "ceasefire" in the trade war, saying tit-for-tat tariffs on aircraft and other goods had exacerbated the damage caused by the COVID-19 epidemic crisis.
After the protracted dispute at the WTOThe US has gradually imposed a 15 per cent import tariff on Airbus aircraft since 2019, and the EU responded a year later by imposing a corresponding tariff on Boeing Co aircraft. Goods such as wine and whisky are also affected.
"this dispute is now an old dispute, and it has put us in a lose-lose situation," Airbus CEO Foley said in an interview.
"We have put an end to this situation and it is usually wise to cease fire and resolve the conflict," he said. "
Boeing Co could not immediately be reached for comment.
Foley said the dispute with Boeing Co was particularly damaging during the outbreak, which dealt a severe blow to air travel, leading to travel restrictions or border closures. He expressed particular concern about the expansion of the ban in Europe.
"We are extremely frustrated by the obstacles that restrict individual movement, and it is almost impossible to travel by air in Europe today, even at home," he said. "
"overall, the top priority for countries is to reopen their borders to allow people to travel on the basis of testing and eventual vaccination."
This reflects increased pressure on the government to restart the economy as vaccines accelerate in Europe.
France defends recent border restrictions, saying they will help the government avoid new blockades and will last until at least the end of February.
On Sunday, Germany set up border checkpoints with the Czech Republic and Austria, sparking protests in Austria and fears of supply chain disruptions. Berlin said the move was the last temporary measure.
Poland said on Saturday that it would not rule out restrictions on its borders with Slovakia and the Czech Republic due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.