European Union leaders are sounding off on the 30% tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose on the trade bloc, with most emphasizing the need for unity, constructive dialogue and their readiness to work toward an agreement by Aug. 1.
“Imposing 30% tariffs on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic,” Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said in a statement. “The EU has consistently prioritized a negotiated solution with the U.S., reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership.”
Some leaders were more critical of Trump’s latest move. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said it’s “concerning and not the way forward” in a post on X. Pedro Sánchez, prime minister of Spain, also took to X, calling the duties “unjustified.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noted that the EU “is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary,” while emphasizing that it would be best to avoid such a move.
On Saturday morning, Trump announced the 30% tariff rates in letters to von der Leyen and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, posted on his Truth Social account. The U.S. president warned that if the EU or Mexico retaliate with higher tariffs, “then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added on to the 30% that we charge.”
Trump also said there would not be tariffs on goods from Europe “or companies within the EU” that build or manufacture products in the U.S. This week, Trump sent similar letters to 23 other U.S. trading partners, including Canada, Japan and Brazil, setting blanket tariff rates ranging from 20% up to 50%.
Here’s how European leaders have reacted to the latest salvo in Trump’s trade skirmish:
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission
Von der Leyen’s statement emphasized the EU’s commitment to dialogue and stability:
“We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.
Meanwhile, we continue to deepen our global partnerships, firmly anchored in the principles of rules-based international trade.”
Dick Schoof, prime minister of the Netherlands
The Dutch Prime Minister said in an X post:
“The US announcement of 30% tariffs on goods imported from the European Union is concerning and not the way forward. The European Commission can count on our full support. As the EU we must remain united and resolute in pursuing an outcome with the United States that is mutually beneficial.”
Ulf Kristersson, prime minister of Sweden
Kristersson said on X that the EU would be ready to impose countermeasures, but emphasized the need to avoid that.
“We support the EU Commission’s desire to continue seeking a negotiated solution. The EU is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary. However, everyone loses in an escalated trade conflict, and it is US consumers who will pay the highest price. Sweden stands up for free trade and international cooperation.”
Emmanuel Macron, president of France
The French President echoed the possibility of employing countermeasures if no agreement is reached by August, in a post on X.
“With the President of the European Commission, France shares a very strong disapproval regarding the announcement of horizontal customs duties of 30% targeting European Union exports to the United States, effective from August 1.
In European unity, it is more crucial than ever for the Commission to assert the Union’s determination to resolutely defend European interests. This notably involves accelerating the preparation of credible countermeasures, by mobilizing all available instruments, including the anti-coercion mechanism, if no agreement is reached by August 1.
On this basis, France fully supports the European Commission in the intensifying negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable agreement by August 1, so that it reflects the respect owed between commercial partners like the European Union and the United States, with shared interests and integrated value chains.
Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s committee on International Trade and Standing
Trump’s letter is “both impertinent and a slap in the face,” Lange said on X. “We’ve been negotiating intensely for more than three weeks – made offers to improve things in mutual interest. Real willingness to negotiate looks different.”
“Period of waiting is over: We’ve postponed the first stage of countermeasures. Firmly convinced they should come into force as planned on Monday, quickly followed by the second list. Activation of rebalancing measures to be discussed.
The Italian Government Presidency of the Council of Ministers
The Italian government said in a statement:
“We trust in the goodwill of all stakeholders to reach a fair agreement that can strengthen the West as a whole, given that—particularly in the current environment—it would make no sense to trigger a trade dispute between the two sides of the Atlantic. It is now essential to remain focused on the negotiations, avoiding polarization that would make reaching an agreement more difficult.”
Pedro Sánchez, prime minister of Spain
“Economic openness and trade create prosperity. Unjustified tariffs destroy it,” Sánchez said in an X post. “That is why we support and will continue to support the Commission in its negotiations to reach an agreement with the US before August 1. United, Europeans form the world’s largest trading bloc. Let us use that strength to achieve a fair agreement.”
Micheál Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland
“The EU and US enjoy the biggest trade and investment relationship in the world. When issues arise between us, they should be resolved by close and respectful dialogue … While it has been clear that all options remain on the table, the EU has also been clear that our preference is for a negotiated solution that avoids escalation. That remains the case.”
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
