The European Union is prepared to retaliate against U.S. tariffs but prefers a negotiated resolution, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. She warned that U.S. tariffs would fuel inflation and harm jobs while urging the EU to remove internal trade barriers.
The European Union has a "robust plan" to respond to tariffs imposed and due to be imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, although it would prefer to reach a negotiated settlement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday.
The Trump administration introduced tariffs on imported steel and aluminium in March, with higher duties on cars set to come into force on Thursday. Additionally, Trump is expected to outline plans for "reciprocal tariffs" on Wednesday.
Von der Leyen acknowledged U.S. concerns that global trade rules had been exploited by certain countries, noting that the EU had also faced similar challenges. She further recognised the U.S. ambition to re-industrialise, a goal shared by the EU.
However, she argued that U.S. tariffs effectively serve as taxes on its own consumers, exacerbating inflation and increasing costs for American manufacturers reliant on imported components, ultimately leading to job losses.
"Our aim is a negotiated resolution. However, if necessary, we will safeguard our interests, our citizens, and our businesses," von der Leyen said in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
"We do not seek retaliation, but if required, we have a robust response plan, and we will implement it."
Von der Leyen also stressed the need for the EU to diversify its trade and eliminate internal barriers that hinder cross-border commerce within its single market.
She cited the International Monetary Fund's assessment that Europe’s internal market barriers equate to a 45% tariff on manufacturing and 110% on services.
Addressing EU lawmakers, she stated that the Commission would present proposals next month aimed at dismantling some of these barriers and preventing the emergence of new ones.
The first summit between the leaders of the EU and the five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) will take place on 4th April in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
On March 31, 2025, European diplomats met in Madrid to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need for Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
European leaders, including Kaja Kallas and Jean-Noel Barrot, are urging Russia to show goodwill by agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine and making humanitarian gestures like returning deported Ukrainian children and releasing prisoners of war.
China has urged the EU to join forces in resisting U.S. protectionism and safeguarding global trade, as Vice Premier He Lifeng met EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic in Beijing. While both sides seek stronger ties, the EU stresses the need to rebalance trade relations amid ongoing market access concerns.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
Much needed humanitarian support has started trickling into Myanmar after the Military government announced a temporary 20 day ceasefire on Tuesday.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
A devastating fire in Kuala Lumpur has left dozens injured and homes severely damaged after a gas pipeline leaked in the city’s Putra Heights district. The unexpected blaze has sparked urgent calls for improved safety measures as authorities work to investigate the cause and prevent further incident
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is in Greenland for high-level discussions, focusing on collaboration and the evolving role of the Arctic territory. The visit comes at a time of increased global interest in the region, prompting renewed dialogue on its future.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
Much needed humanitarian support has started trickling into Myanmar after the Military government announced a temporary 20 day ceasefire on Tuesday.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
A devastating fire in Kuala Lumpur has left dozens injured and homes severely damaged after a gas pipeline leaked in the city’s Putra Heights district. The unexpected blaze has sparked urgent calls for improved safety measures as authorities work to investigate the cause and prevent further incident
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is in Greenland for high-level discussions, focusing on collaboration and the evolving role of the Arctic territory. The visit comes at a time of increased global interest in the region, prompting renewed dialogue on its future.
Elon Musk is set to leave his government role in the coming months, with his tenure as a special government employee expected to end by May 30. President Trump praised Musk’s contributions, confirming his eventual return to the private sector amid ongoing federal downsizing efforts.
Much needed humanitarian support has started trickling into Myanmar after the Military government announced a temporary 20 day ceasefire on Tuesday.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
A devastating fire in Kuala Lumpur has left dozens injured and homes severely damaged after a gas pipeline leaked in the city’s Putra Heights district. The unexpected blaze has sparked urgent calls for improved safety measures as authorities work to investigate the cause and prevent further incident
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is in Greenland for high-level discussions, focusing on collaboration and the evolving role of the Arctic territory. The visit comes at a time of increased global interest in the region, prompting renewed dialogue on its future.
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