**Brussels**: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlines the EU’s strategy to respond to imminent tariffs from the US, highlighting the importance of negotiations and the potential economic impact on both sides in her address to the European Parliament.
In a session held on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the escalating trade tensions between the European Union (EU) and the United States, stating that the bloc has a “strong plan” to respond to the tariffs set to be announced by US President Donald Trump later this week. Her remarks came as European officials prepared for what Trump has termed “liberation day,” when the significant tariff announcements are expected.
Von der Leyen, speaking to the European Parliament, expressed the EU’s dismay at the ongoing confrontation that they assert was not initiated by Europe. “Let me be clear: Europe did not start this confrontation, we think it is wrong,” she stated, adding that the EU is equipped to protect its interests. She emphasised, “We have everything we need to protect our people and our prosperity.”
The EU is facing economic pressures as it braces for the ramifications of Trump’s proposed tariffs, particularly a 25 percent tariff on cars and vehicle parts, which could potentially harm the European automotive industry that employs nearly 14 million people. Additionally, EU exporters have already been affected since March by a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminium imports to the US, which had resulted in the EU announcing countermeasures worth €26 billion (approximately $28 billion) against US goods.
Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of negotiating a resolution to these trade disputes, noting that tariffs are effectively taxes that would burden consumers in both the US and Europe. “Tariffs are taxes that will be paid by the people… Tariffs will just fuel inflation, exactly the opposite of what we want to achieve,” she remarked. She acknowledged existing issues within global trade, such as unfair subsidies and barriers to market access, agreeing that these concerns should be dealt with collaboratively rather than through blanket tariffs.
The European Commission leader asserted that the EU would approach negotiations from a “position of strength,” indicating that they are prepared to enact “firm countermeasures if necessary.” “All instruments are on the table,” she stated, reinforcing the EU’s readiness to respond robustly to protect its economic interests.
President Trump, who has consistently framed trade negotiations as an effort to rectify what he perceives as unfair advantages held by other countries against the US, has reiterated that his forthcoming tariffs would apply broadly to “all countries,” dampening expectations that only certain trade partners might be targeted. His announcement has already stirred concerns within financial markets and among key US allies, including EU member states, regarding the potential fallout of such protectionist measures.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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