European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is ready to respond with countermeasures if talks with Washington fail, following new US tariffs imposed by President Trump.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described US President Donald Trump's universal tariffs as a major blow to the global economy. Speaking in Samarkand ahead of the EU–Central Asia summit, she said the European Union was preparing to act if negotiations with the United States did not succeed.
The EU is finalizing a first package of tariffs on up to €26 billion ($28.4 billion) worth of US goods, expected to take effect in mid-April. These measures are in response to US steel and aluminum tariffs that began on March 12.
“We're now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail,” von der Leyen stated, without disclosing specific future actions.
A French government spokesperson noted that broader measures, potentially including digital services, could be introduced by the end of April. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the EU’s preference for reaching an agreement with Washington but acknowledged the possibility of an “adequate” European response if necessary.
EU trade ministers are set to meet in Luxembourg on Monday to discuss their options.
While the EU has fewer US goods to target—importing €334 billion worth from the US compared to €532 billion in exports—the bloc may avoid hitting critical sectors like US oil, gas, and pharmaceuticals, which make up a significant share of its imports.
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Two construction workers were critically injured Friday when suspected World War II-era ordnance exploded at a site near Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, police said.
A large explosion occurred at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran, prompting a swift response from emergency teams as investigations into the cause continue.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Qatar on Sunday to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties and coordinate on key regional matters, continuing the momentum from recent diplomatic exchanges.
Top Iranian and U.S. negotiators began a new round of indirect talks on Saturday in Muscat, seeking to broker a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear programme, as President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.
Foreign ministers from Central Asia and China gathered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Saturday for the sixth meeting under the Central Asia-China format, aiming to deepen regional cooperation and address shared challenges.
Saudi Arabia on Friday unveiled its annual report highlighting the Kingdom’s advancements toward achieving the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 during the year 2024.
Two construction workers were critically injured Friday when suspected World War II-era ordnance exploded at a site near Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, police said.
A large explosion occurred at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran, prompting a swift response from emergency teams as investigations into the cause continue.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Qatar on Sunday to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties and coordinate on key regional matters, continuing the momentum from recent diplomatic exchanges.
Top Iranian and U.S. negotiators began a new round of indirect talks on Saturday in Muscat, seeking to broker a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear programme, as President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.
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