EU prepares to take countermeasures against US

European Union leaders have declared their readiness to take retaliatory measures if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes trade tariffs.

As Baku.ws reports, politicians warned that a trade war would damage both sides.

Earlier, Trump confirmed his intention to impose restrictions on Europe, continuing the trade tariff policy previously announced against China, Canada, and Mexico. Specific measures and their implementation timeline are not yet specified.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the EU and NATO summit, emphasized that Europe would not stand aside if subjected to economic pressure.

"If we are attacked in the trade sphere, Europe as an independent force must assert itself and give an appropriate response," he stated.

Brussels does not rule out introducing retaliatory measures.

The European Commission has already prepared possible response scenarios, but details are not yet disclosed.

"We are carefully listening to Trump's statements and are certainly preparing a response," noted the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, commenting on the situation, emphasized:

Europe is a powerful economic region and capable of independently forming its trade policy. Brussels can respond with symmetrical measures.

Several European leaders spoke in favor of continuing dialogue with Washington.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated:

We must negotiate with Trump. Starting a trade war is not in our interests.

Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg reminded that the EU has a positive balance in goods trade with the US but a deficit in services:

We must find a balanced solution.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda suggested seeking ways of economic cooperation, including through purchases of American liquefied natural gas and weapons:

We must offer the US favorable conditions, whether in automotive industry agreements or energy.

The situation remains under discussion, but Brussels indicates its readiness to act depending on Washington's further steps.