EU ministers pledged on Monday to accelerate trade negotiations with Washington as President Trump’s looming 30% tariffs threaten to upend transatlantic commerce.
European Union ministers have agreed to prioritise negotiations with the United States to prevent sweeping 30% import tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, warning that such measures would have devastating consequences for EU-U.S. trade.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic described the new tariff threat as a serious turning point in negotiations. “A 30% tariff rate would make it almost impossible to continue trading as before,” he said ahead of a ministerial meeting in Brussels. “We must do everything we can to avoid this super-negative scenario.”
While Trump has set August 1 as the deadline for imposing the tariffs, EU diplomats believe there is still time to reach a deal. The European Commission has proposed suspending its first package of counter-tariffs worth €21 billion and is considering a second package targeting €72 billion in U.S. goods.
However, officials remain divided on the bloc’s response. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen urged unity but stressed the EU must be ready for all outcomes: “If you want peace, you have to prepare for war.”
France has taken a tougher stance, with Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin calling for broader retaliation. He urged the EU to consider targeting U.S. services or invoking its "anti-coercion" tool, designed to counter external economic pressure.
Despite signs that U.S. negotiators remain open to compromise, Sefcovic warned the EU must brace for “all possible scenarios,” signalling turbulent weeks ahead for transatlantic trade.
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The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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