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EU leaders unite against potential Trump tariffs during Brussels meeting

by editor

In a show of solidarity, European Union leaders have expressed a firm commitment to oppose potential tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. This declaration came during a recent gathering in Brussels, where discussions focused on various defense and security matters.

Trump announced on Sunday that import tariffs on EU goods are “definitely happening,” prompting a swift response from EU officials. Amid an informal meeting aimed at addressing security challenges, leaders from the bloc collectively emphasized their determination to combat these tariffs if imposed.

Responses from European leaders

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz articulated the bloc’s stance, noting that “the bloc can react to tariff policies with tariff policies.” He emphasized the necessity of responding appropriately while advocating for a cooperative approach to resolve trade tensions. “We must and will do that, but the perspective and aim should be that we proceed in such a way so that things come down to cooperation,” he added.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned against escalating into a “totally unnecessary and stupid tariff war.” He remarked, “We cannot lose common sense, we cannot lose awareness of our interests. At the same time, we cannot lose our European self-respect and self-confidence.” Tusk acknowledged the challenge of balancing these interests but expressed confidence in the EU’s ability to navigate through it.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also weighed in, stating her opposition to fighting allies, but affirmed Denmark’s willingness to respond to US tariffs. Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, echoed this sentiment, stating, “One thing is clear, the EU must act as one,” while cautioning that the EU-US trade relationship is the largest in the world, with potential inflationary consequences for citizens.

The consequences of tariff escalation

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted the potential fallout of a trade war, declaring that there would be “no winners” should tariffs be enacted. She pointed out that job losses and increased prices would be significant consequences, noting that countries like China would benefit amid the discord.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda called for a shift towards a more positive economic agenda with the US, suggesting the EU explore options to secure additional liquid natural gas (LNG) supplies and procure further military equipment from its longstanding ally.

The gathering also included British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, marking the first instance of a British leader convening with EU counterparts since Brexit, as he aims to “reset” relations with the bloc.

In response to the ongoing trade tensions, Trump labeled the EU’s €300 billion trade deficit as an “atrocity.” While he hinted at the possibility of imposing tariffs on the UK, he also suggested that discussions with Starmer could lead to a change of heart, stating that things “could be worked out.”

These threats from Trump coincided with Canada and Mexico announcing retaliatory tariffs on US goods, following the sweeping tariffs the US imposed on Saturday. Trump’s declaration of an economic emergency enabled him to impose a 10% duty on all imports from China, as well as 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada.

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