Image Credit: Håkan Dahlström
EU leaders vow to retaliate against U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. German Chancellor Scholz and other leaders emphasize unity and readiness for countermeasures. EU officials warn of negative economic effects, including inflation and job losses, urging cooperation and resolution to avoid escalating trade wars.
European Union leaders have expressed a firm commitment to retaliate against potential U.S. import tariffs after President Donald Trump confirmed their imminent imposition. During an informal EU meeting, leaders emphasized the importance of a united response. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the EU was prepared to apply its tariffs if necessary, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the idea of a tariff war "unnecessary." EU officials like Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted the harm tariffs could do to citizens through inflation and urged cooperation among EU nations.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also warned that a trade war would yield no winners, with consequences such as job losses and higher prices. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda suggested redirecting efforts towards building a more positive economic relationship with the U.S., proposing greater imports of liquid natural gas and military equipment.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in his first meeting with EU officials since Brexit, aimed to reset UK-EU relations. Trump’s threats against the EU follow similar measures targeting Canada, Mexico, and China, with both Canada and Mexico retaliating with countermeasures. The EU remains resolute in defending its interests while calling for a resolution through dialogue and cooperation.
