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.
More than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants will continue striking despite federal back-to-work orders, their union said Sunday, intensifying disrup...
U.S. President Donald Trump may offer NATO-like protection for Ukraine, a move that Russia is open to, according to his top foreign policy aide. The s...
A 5.8-magnitude undersea earthquake hit Indonesia’s Sulawesi island on Sunday, injuring 29 people and damaging buildings, including a church where w...
Three men have been killed and nine others wounded in a gang-related shooting at a crowded nightclub in Brooklyn, despite New York City recording hist...
The African Union has endorsed a campaign to end the use of the Mercator map, saying it distorts Africa’s true size and reinforces outdated stereoty...
Speaking at a joint press conference in Brussels with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, von der Leyen outlined Europe’s position ahead of Monday’s summit at The White House, where EU leaders will join U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy to discuss the path to a possible peace agreement.
Top European leaders will travel to Washington on Monday to join U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy in critical talks aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Spain is calling on European partners for assistance as wildfires rage across the country during one of its longest and hottest heatwaves on record.
European Union member states said on Tuesday that Ukrainians must have the right to decide their own future, speaking ahead of Friday’s planned talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck 56 kilometres east of Gorgan in northern Iran early Sunday morning, according to preliminary seismic data.
A deadly heatwave has claimed 1,180 lives in Spain since May, with elderly people most at risk, prompting calls for urgent social support.
Media accreditation is now open for COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, set to take place in Belém, Brazil in 2025.
Spain has deployed hundreds more troops to fight 20 major wildfires as extreme heat fuels one of the worst fire seasons in southern Europe in two decades.
China has released the first and second volumes of a compilation of speeches by President Xi Jinping on comprehensively deepening reform, covering works from 2012 to 2025.
More than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants will continue striking despite federal back-to-work orders, their union said Sunday, intensifying disruption at Canada’s largest airline.
U.S. President Donald Trump may offer NATO-like protection for Ukraine, a move that Russia is open to, according to his top foreign policy aide. The suggestion comes ahead of talks in Washington with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders on possible security guarantees.
A 5.8-magnitude undersea earthquake hit Indonesia’s Sulawesi island on Sunday, injuring 29 people and damaging buildings, including a church where worshippers were gathered.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment