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.
Sweden's centre-right government has abandoned plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13, instead proposing a revised threshold of 14, J...
A prominent Palestinian doctor detained by Israel for more than 500 days appeared by video link before Israel's Supreme Court on Wednesday (11 June), ...
Three Indian sailors have been killed after a U.S. military strike on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman, India's shipping minister has confirmed...
All personnel on board a Pakistani military helicopter were killed when the aircraft crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wed...
The number of people displaced by conflict and persecution around the world fell in 2025 for the first time in more than a decade, according to a new ...
The European Union and South Korea on Wednesday signed a digital trade agreement aimed at simplifying cross-border digital transactions and strengthening economic ties. The deal was reached at their first summit in three years.
As Armenia approaches parliamentary elections, Russia appears to be increasing political and economic pressure on Yerevan, signalling that closer integration with the EU could lead to significant changes in labour, transport and energy arrangements between the two countries.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova praised Georgia for resisting Western pressure (30 May), defending its national interests and pursuing a "multi-vector foreign policy" - language that closely mirrors the rhetoric of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
A growing majority of Europeans believe the European Union should pursue a more independent foreign policy and reduce its reliance on the U.S., according to a new survey published on Friday.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry says 19 citizens have been repatriated following a deadly drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on 5 June.
A Sudanese man has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured and prompted calls online for a protest after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Ukraine's military said it struck a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker in the Black Sea as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Moscow's energy and logistics networks. The move underscores Kyiv's focus on targeting maritime assets it says are used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Sweden's centre-right government has abandoned plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13, instead proposing a revised threshold of 14, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed on Thursday (11 June).
Three Indian sailors have been killed after a U.S. military strike on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman, India's shipping minister has confirmed. The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Washington.
The number of people displaced by conflict and persecution around the world fell in 2025 for the first time in more than a decade, according to a new report by the UN refugee agency.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 11 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment