German chancellor Angela Merkel has said the European Union would address the situation of the car industry and any possible protectionist moves at its next summit on 1 March.
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Speaking after the mini-summit of European G20 leaders in Berlin on Sunday to formulate a European position on the issues of stimulus, regulation and protectionism ahead of the April G20 summit in London, Merkel said the issue of a level playing field would be addressed.
“Of course we will again talk about the auto industry issue – we agreed to this today – next week, because the auto industry is closely intertwined with many member states,” Merkel was quoted as saying by Reuters.
“But what we also have to address is a level playing field that not only must be the same within Europe but (also with the) US… If I look at the restructuring plans of some American companies, there is of course significant level of state money being provided.”
She stressed that she was in talks with the US government on the issue and that her comments mustn’t be understood as an accusation but it still was a problem that should be addressed at next week’s summit.
