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EU warns of strong retaliation against Trump’s proposed tariffs

by editor

BRUSSELS — The European Union has issued a stern warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling that it will take decisive action if he proceeds with proposed tariffs on EU goods. The European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, expressed its disappointment over Trump’s recent decision to implement blanket tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, made public on Saturday. The U.S. president has indicated that the EU could be next in line for similar measures.

In a statement on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Commission emphasized the significance of the trade and investment relationship between the EU and the U.S., which is the largest globally. The spokesperson remarked, “Tariffs create unnecessary economic disruption and drive inflation. They are hurtful to all sides.”

Despite this, the spokesperson asserted that the EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that imposes tariffs on European goods unjustly or arbitrarily.

Calls for a strong and strategic response

French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci advocated for a vigorous response from Brussels, emphasizing the need for a tactical approach in negotiations with Trump. In an interview with France Info, he stated, “Trade negotiations with Donald Trump must assume a form of power dynamic.” Ferracci highlighted the necessity of reacting to Trump’s tariff threats, while also urging the American administration to clarify its decisions concerning Europe.

To ensure that countermeasures are effective, Ferracci insisted that the response should target products critical to the U.S. market. He called for the EU to devise a “Buy European Act” to demonstrate its determination.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz underscored the advantages of open trade, yet he hinted at the EU’s readiness to counter any aggressive moves by the U.S. “It’s important that we don’t divide the world with numerous tariff barriers,” Scholz remarked after a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the U.K. He reiterated that the EU is “a strong economic area and has its own courses of action.”

Mixed reactions from EU leaders

German Finance Minister Jörg Kukies advised a measured approach, stating, “One should not react to the first decisions with panic, but see them as the beginning of the negotiations and not as the end.” His comments came during a trip to the Persian Gulf, as reported by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also took a cautious stance, noting on X, “The tariff war is not good for anyone. … We have ideas and strategies to protect our companies with Italy being the best ambassador for the EU in the dialogue with Washington.”

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, characterized Trump’s tariffs as a breach of international law, asserting that the EU must prepare to defend its economic interests robustly. He urged Brussels to “stabilize and quickly expand” trade relations with other nations.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the public in a video message, acknowledging concerns but urging calm in the face of recent events, including immigration issues, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Trump’s tariff threats.

Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt condemned the U.S. tariffs as “a blatant attack on its own people and a gift to billionaires, all while tearing apart his closest allies.” He stressed that “the EU must not bow to his bullying tactics.”

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