In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on all European Union (EU) goods, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has stated that the EU will take all necessary measures to safeguard its economic interests. However, she added that discussions and negotiations will continue until August 1 in hopes of reaching a settlement.
This development was reported by German media outlet Deutsche Welle and the news agency AFP.
Trump’s Tariff Declaration
On Saturday, President Trump announced via his social media platform Truth Social that a 30% tariff would be imposed on EU goods starting August 1, 2025.
Since returning to office in January this year, President Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need for tariff reforms. In April, he imposed tariffs on several countries but later suspended them for 90 days. Now, he is moving forward with the tariff plan again.
President Trump claims that these tariffs are aimed at reducing the United States’ trade deficit.
However, analysts warn that such measures could lead to global market instability and potentially harm the U.S. economy itself.
EU’s Standpoint
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU would work toward a deal until the August deadline. Still, she stressed that the EU is fully prepared to take “all necessary steps” to protect its own economic interests.
Strong Reaction from the European Parliament
Meanwhile, Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, criticized Trump’s move, describing it as “a slap in the face.” He called for immediate countermeasures from the EU in response to the U.S. decision.
