EU reacts to US tariffs
Europe is preparing to retaliate against the increase in tariffs imposed by the USA on imports.
Bogdan Matei, 02.04.2025, 14:00
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Brussels has prepared “a strong plan” containing “firm countermeasures” to counter the global tariffs that US president Donald Trump has decided to impose on goods imported from the United States. Von der Leyen stressed that the reciprocal 25% tariffs “will be a nightmare for all US importers” and added that “today nobody needs that: neither the United States nor Europe”. “Tariffs are taxes that will be paid by the people. Tariffs are taxes for Americans on food and medicine. Tariffs will only fuel inflation. The exact opposite of what we want to achieve. American factories will pay more for components produced in Europe. This will cost jobs”, the European Commission president said in a speech delivered in the European Parliament. Europe did not start this confrontation, von der Leyen argues, quoted by Radio Romania’s correspondent in Strasbourg. We do not necessarily want to take revenge, she adds, but, “if necessary, we will protect our interests, our people, our companies”. Ursula von der Leyen also mentioned alternative destinations for European exports. She said that, by the end of the year, Brussels wants to finalize a trade agreement with India, the largest country on the planet, and to intensify negotiations with Indonesia and Thailand.
Meanwhile, in Washington, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said president Trump is “taking historic steps” to improve American competitiveness across the board. “Our country has been one of the most open economies in the world and we have the best consumer base, hands down. But too many foreign countries have their markets closed to our exports. This is fundamentally unfair. The lack of reciprocity contributes to our large and persistent annual trade deficit that’s gutted our industries and hollowed out key workforces”, Leavitt said.
“The flow of goods and services between us is nearly balanced”, von der Leyen said in response, adding that “this is the largest and most prosperous trade relation worldwide. We would all be better off if we could find a constructive solution”. Debates between policymakers created a ripple effect across European societies. The overwhelming majority of respondents, about 70%, agree with the introduction of additional tariffs and taxes on American products, according to a survey conducted by a well-known British institution in countries such as Spain, Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany or Italy. (VP)
