The European Union has vowed to respond firmly after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed plans to impose tariffs on EU imports, declaring on Sunday, February 2, that the tariffs are “definitely happening.”
Ahead of an informal security-focused meeting, European leaders voiced their readiness to counter U.S. tariff measures. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the EU “can react to tariff policies with tariff policies,” emphasizing the need for cooperation.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticised the move as “totally unnecessary and stupid,” urging the EU to defend its interests while maintaining self-confidence. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed reluctance to “fight allies” but affirmed Denmark’s commitment to an EU-wide response. Similarly, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned that tariffs would fuel inflation and stressed the importance of EU unity.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that a trade war with the U.S. would have no winners, warning of job losses and price hikes, while Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda advocated for a “positive economic agenda,” including increased LNG imports and American military equipment purchases.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, attending his first EU meeting since Brexit, is reportedly seeking to “reset” UK-EU relations. Trump, who has called the EU’s €300 billion trade deficit with the U.S. an “atrocity,” suggested that a resolution could be reached with the UK.
Trump’s tariff threats come amid rising tensions following his imposition of duties on Canada, Mexico, and China. On Saturday, February 1, he declared an economic emergency to authorise 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports and 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico. In response, Canada and Mexico announced retaliatory measures against U.S. products.
