The European Union has pledged a unified response after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose import tariffs on the EU, declaring on Sunday, February 2, that such tariffs are “definitely happening.”
Ahead of an informal meeting focused on security issues, European leaders expressed their determination to counter U.S. tariff measures, should they materialize. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the EU’s readiness to respond in kind, stating that the bloc “can react to tariff policies with tariff policies.” He added, “We must and will do that, but the perspective and aim should be that we proceed in such a way so that things come down to cooperation.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the prospect of a tariff war as “totally unnecessary and stupid,” urging the EU to maintain its self-respect and self-confidence while protecting its interests. “It’s not easy, but we’ll see,” Tusk remarked.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted that while she does not support “fighting allies,” Denmark would cooperate with the EU in responding to U.S. tariffs. Similarly, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned that tariffs would harm citizens through inflation and stressed the need for the EU to act as a unified bloc. “One thing is clear, the EU must act as one,” Martin said.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that a trade war with the U.S. would result in “no winners,” highlighting potential job losses and price increases. She warned that China would be “the one laughing on the side.”
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda advocated for shifting to a “positive economic agenda” with the U.S., proposing that the EU secure more liquid natural gas (LNG) and increase its procurement of American military equipment.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, attending the meeting as the first UK leader to meet with EU officials since Brexit, is reportedly seeking to “reset” relations with the EU. Trump, while labelling the EU’s €300 billion trade deficit with the U.S. an “atrocity,” hinted that a resolution might be possible with the UK, saying that things “could be worked out” with Starmer.
Trump’s tariff threats against the EU and UK come amid escalating tensions following U.S. tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China. On Saturday, February 1, Trump declared an economic emergency in the U.S. to authorize duties of 10% on all Chinese imports and 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico. In retaliation, both Canada and Mexico announced countermeasures against American goods.
