European Leaders React Strongly to Trump’s Tariff Threat, Warn of Retaliation
Polish PM Tusk Calls Trump's Trade Stance a 'Complete Mistake

BRUSSELS: European leaders have strongly condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose new tariffs on the European Union, warning of potential retaliation and the risk of escalating trade tensions.
The statement comes after Trump hinted at renewed tariffs on European goods, evoking concerns of a trade war similar to the one triggered by his previous tariff policies on China, Mexico, and Canada. These policies caused disruptions in global trade and market instability.
Germany and EU’s Response
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz affirmed that the European Union is strong enough to respond if tariffs are imposed, but emphasized that cooperation should be the ultimate goal. He stressed that the EU’s response should aim at resolving disputes through dialogue rather than conflict. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz, a possible future chancellor candidate, added that American consumers would bear the brunt of such tariffs.
UK’s Position
The UK government echoed a more diplomatic tone, with a spokesperson emphasizing the country’s “fair and balanced” trading relationship with the U.S. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following talks with Trump, expressed Britain’s commitment to strengthening trade ties with the U.S. while resolving any trade disputes amicably.
Other European Reactions
Several European leaders joined the chorus of criticism. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for negotiations with the U.S., highlighting the importance of prioritizing geopolitical threats, such as those posed by Russia, over economic disputes. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeled Trump’s trade stance a “complete mistake” and urged European allies to stay united.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned against escalating tensions, suggesting that a trade war between the U.S. and Europe could benefit China. French President Emmanuel Macron also emphasized that Europe must respond firmly if its commercial interests are threatened, signaling a potential shift toward more aggressive countermeasures.
Concerns from Economists
The threat of tariffs has raised alarms among EU economists, with French central bank governor François Villeroy de Galhau warning that such actions could significantly increase economic uncertainty, particularly within the auto industry. Lithuanian central bank governor Gediminas Simkus echoed concerns, stating that tariffs could lead to higher inflation and hamper economic recovery.
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EU Summit to Discuss Next Steps
The European Union is set to discuss its next steps during an informal summit in Brussels, with leaders divided on whether to adopt a firm retaliation stance or focus on diplomatic solutions to prevent a full-scale trade war. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of transatlantic relations, as European nations brace for possible economic fallout from Trump’s tariff threat.
As tensions rise, European leaders are united in their resolve to protect their economic interests while seeking avenues to resolve the conflict without escalating tensions further.