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.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
Apple and Meta have been fined €500 million and €200 million respectively by the European Union for breaching the bloc’s new Digital Markets Act, escalating tensions in the transatlantic tech trade dispute.
Hungary’s persistent attempts to undermine EU efforts in support of Ukraine have pushed member states to seriously consider invoking Article 7 of the EU treaty — the bloc’s most severe disciplinary tool, which could strip Budapest of its voting rights, The Guardian reports.
Talks in Paris between U.S. officials and European leaders have kickstarted a new diplomatic format aimed at shaping Ukraine's post-war future, with the involvement of Europe’s three most powerful countries.
Greece has submitted its long-awaited maritime spatial plan to the European Union, outlining how it will organize various maritime activities such as fishing, tourism, offshore energy, and more.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiyy said Kyiv cannot reclaim Crimea by force, as tensions grow over Trump’s peace plan proposal.
A Wisconsin judge has been charged with obstruction after allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest in her courthouse.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiyy said Kyiv cannot reclaim Crimea by force, as tensions grow over Trump’s peace plan proposal.
A Wisconsin judge has been charged with obstruction after allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest in her courthouse.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiyy said Kyiv cannot reclaim Crimea by force, as tensions grow over Trump’s peace plan proposal.
A Wisconsin judge has been charged with obstruction after allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest in her courthouse.
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