FPÖ between Putin and Trump: tariffs or ideology?

FPÖ between Putin and Trump: tariffs or ideology?

On April 4, 2025, the FPÖ revised some of its political positions and expressed himself controversial to Donald Trump's customs policy. In a current statement, the FPÖ not only justified Putin's war of aggression, but also the new tariffs that Trump announced. Even if the party claims that the responsibility for these trade measures is with Europe and the Austrian people, it reaps criticism from other political actors, such as Reinhold Lopatka, the Delegation Head of the People's Party in the EU Parliament, who sharply condemns the FPÖ for its views. Lopatka describes the reverse of victims and perpetrators in political argument as ideologically motivated and notes an internal conflict within the FPÖ.

Barbara Kolm, an FPÖ National Council MP, is critical of the tariffs, while Susanne Fürst defends US trade policy. According to Lopatka, leadership problems within the FPÖ are emerging. In this tense political debate, the EU uses these times to appear strongly and confidently. This philosophy is supported by the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who strive for a negotiation solution with the USA

The impending trade crisis

Donald Trump has announced in the rose garden of the White House that from April 5, a minimum customs of 10% will come into force on all imported products, followed by reciprocal tariffs on products from countries that collect tariffs on US products. A total of 20% is expected for EU goods, which could have significant consequences for the European economy. Countries such as Germany, Japan and South Korea are particularly affected, which are already high loss forecasts for their exports to the USA.

Deutsche Bank anticipates an increase in inflation in the United States by 1.2% due to the new tariffs, while Goldman Sachs predicts a potential decline in gross domestic product (GDP) in the USA from 0.8 to 1.3 percentage points. This could mean a loss of up to $ 350 billion, which could put the United States into a precarious economic situation. The EU, on the other hand, expects a 30%decline in its exports to the United States, which could result in a loss of over 12 billion euros.

consequences for the European economy

An upcoming customs conflict could have massive negative effects on the EU companies. The influence affects not only directly exporting companies, but also companies that deliver raw materials, components or services to these exporters. Simulations indicate that a flat rate of 25% on EU goods could reduce exports by half in the long term. Particularly hard cuts can be expected in the key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, transport equipment and motor vehicles.

In terms of overall economic effects, a decline in the EU's real GDP is predicted by an average of 0.25%, which could correspond to a decline of around 0.33% for Germany. Chancellor Ursula von der Leyen describes the tariffs as a "severe blow" for the global economy and announces possible countermeasures, including tariffs to US export goods and the exclusion of US companies from public orders.

Meanwhile, the EU tries to compensate for the economic damage through in -depth trade relationships with other partners. A strategy is pursued to reduce the dependency on US demand and to expand exports to other markets, which could lead to GDP gains in the long term.

In this threatening situation, it remains to be seen how the political and economic dynamics will develop, both within the FPÖ and at an international level. The impending negotiations between the United States and the EU will be crucial to take into account the economic interests of both sides.

The analysis of the effects of Trump's customs policy on the EU can be found in a more detailed form in DIW diw reports, that are read, while Kurier discusses the current tariffs and their consequences for the US economy. Also ots that are significant in Austria.