Drive-Through Trade Policy

The echoes of two World Wars—both of which began on European soil—are still present in Austrian daily life, as they are across the continent. Austrian schools place heavy emphasis on confronting the country’s WWII past. Prohibition of National Socialist ideology, along with the ownership of N@z! memorabilia, is written into the Austrian constitution. There is one banned book in Austria: written by a failed Viennese art student whose ideology later plunged Europe into war and resulted in millions of deaths. Ergo, field trips to Holocaust sites are common. The message is clear: Never again.

That mindset—rooted in reflection, consensus, and caution—shapes how the EU makes decisions. The pace isn’t just about bureaucracy or process. It’s about history. About designing systems that resist emotional reaction and insulate against concentration of power.

That same caution, of course, has also held Europe back. Innovation, growth, and strategic responsiveness have lagged—especially over the last 15 years. But as I’ve learned, the root isn’t economic. It’s cultural. It’s generational. And it’s always there.

Drive-Through Trade Policy

On Friday, President Trump threatened a blanket 50% tariff on all imported goods from Europe, beginning June 1. Speaking from the Oval Office, he described the EU as “very difficult to deal with,” criticized the pace of negotiations, and said he was “no longer looking for a deal.” Markets reacted sharply.

By Sunday, following a call initiated by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump postponed the tariff deadline to July 9. On Truth Social, he wrote: “I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so.”

Since then, European media coverage has shifted. What began as justification of the EU’s pace—citing the need for consensus across 27 member states—has turned toward something more pointed: realization that “drive-through window” trade diplomacy may be the new reality.

Twofold Skepticism

My skepticism is twofold. First, because after living here (as frustrating it can be at times) I understand why Europe is built for caution and consensus. It sees it as a feature, not a bug. But second, as any American who’s visited Europe quickly notices: there aren’t many drive-throughs.

Have a great rest of your week, friends.

Leigh Fatzinger, Editor
Salzburg, Austria / 27 May 2025