European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that the European Union (EU) is open to negotiations with the United States on tariffs, but is ready to protect its interests with “proportionate countermeasures” if necessary.
Von der Leyen described the tariffs imposed by the US as a “major turning point” for the country, according to a fact sheet published by the Commission after a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “The President expressed deep concern about the tariffs announced by President Trump on April 2 and the damage they are causing to all countries, especially the world’s poorest nations, through their direct and indirect effects,” the statement said. The US announcement on Wednesday that it would impose an additional 20% tariff on imports from the EU was met with concern and reaction in EU member states. Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU will continue to defend the multilateral trading system and underlined the need to keep dialogue channels open with the US. However, she signaled that Brussels could retaliate with tariffs and other trade restrictions if Washington’s actions continued.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202504/07/WS67f328c8a3104d9fd381dd6f.html
