EU ministers warn of countermeasures to US tariffs if trade negotiations fail
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EU ministers meet in Brussels to strategize against new US tariffs, emphasizing unity and preparedness.
EU Ministers Warn of Countermeasures to US Tariffs if Trade Talks Collapse
EU deems US tariffs ‘unjustified’
The European Union has issued a strong warning to Washington after the United States announced sweeping 30 percent tariffs on EU exports. Ministers from the bloc’s 27 member states met in Brussels on Monday and described the move as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified.”
Negotiation remains the preferred route
At a joint press briefing following the meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized the EU’s commitment to dialogue. “We are committed to continuing working with the United States on a negotiated outcome,” he said, noting that any agreement must be mutually acceptable to both sides.
Countermeasures on the table
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic echoed the bloc’s readiness to act, revealing that member states are preparing for all possible outcomes. These include implementing robust and proportionate countermeasures and deepening trade ties with like-minded partners. “We are keeping all our options open,” Sefcovic stated.
Tariff retaliation delayed—but not cancelled
To allow time for further negotiations, the EU has postponed imposing 50 percent tariffs on a set of US goods worth 21 billion euros until August 1. However, Sefcovic also unveiled a separate list of American products worth 72 billion euros that could be targeted if talks fall apart.
Call for unity and cooperation
Sefcovic emphasized the importance of EU solidarity, stressing that any trade agreement with the US must have the approval of all member states and the European Parliament. He also noted the importance of working closely with international partners to ensure a diversified and resilient trade strategy.
Major economic relationship at risk
According to the EU Council, trade between the United States and the European Union reached nearly 1.7 trillion euros last year. That figure accounts for roughly 30 percent of all global trade in goods and services—highlighting the economic weight of the potential dispute.
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