Enlarge image
On the plane to Washington DC: Secretary of Commerce Robert Habeck (Greens)
Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa
Federal Economics Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) wants to continue his political talks in Washington on Tuesday - now together with French Economics Minister Bruno Le Maire.
The focus of the trip is the American anti-inflation law, which envisages billions in investments in climate protection.
Trade policy and the geopolitical situation are also issues.
Together, the two economics ministers want to explain the European position on the anti-inflation law.
They will meet with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
Habeck is confident
Habeck hopes that the trip to Washington will lead to progress in the discussion between the EU and the USA about America's controversial anti-inflation law.
"I'm actually quite confident that it may not be possible to find further solutions today and tomorrow, but then in the next few weeks," said the Green politician on Monday morning before leaving for the US capital.
The trip should serve to explore solutions for the problematic parts of the industrial program IRA.
The talks should also deal with trade policy and the geopolitical situation.
The so-called Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides for investments in climate protection worth billions, but ties subsidies and tax credits to companies using US products or producing them themselves in the USA - which triggers concerns in Europe about competitive disadvantages.
Associations warn of a trade dispute and demand better production conditions in Europe.
tfb/dpa
