The European Union has pledged a unified response following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that import tariffs on the EU are “definitely happening.”
Speaking ahead of an informal meeting focused on security issues, European leaders signaled their readiness to counter any U.S. tariff measures. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the EU’s preparedness to respond in kind, stating, “We can react to tariff policies with tariff policies.” However, he emphasized the importance of cooperation, adding, “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 criticized the possibility of a tariff war, calling it “totally unnecessary and stupid.” He urged the EU to uphold its self-respect while protecting its economic interests. “It’s not easy, but we’ll see,” he remarked.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also voiced concerns, stating that while she does not support “fighting allies,” Denmark would back the EU’s collective response to the U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted the economic risks, warning, “Tariffs will harm citizens through inflation. One thing is clear, the EU must act as one.”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that a trade war with the U.S. would be detrimental to both sides. “There are no winners in a trade war,” she said, noting potential job losses and price increases. She also warned that China would be “the one laughing on the side.”
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda proposed a shift toward a “positive economic agenda” with the U.S., suggesting that the EU secure more liquid natural gas (LNG) and increase procurement of American military equipment as potential countermeasures.
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, who has described the EU’s €300 billion trade deficit with the U.S. as an “atrocity,” indicated that a resolution with the UK might be possible, stating that things “could be worked out” with Starmer.
Trump’s threats against the EU and UK come amid broader trade tensions following his decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. On February 1, he declared an economic emergency in the U.S., authorizing a 10% duty on all Chinese imports and a 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico. In response, both Canada and Mexico have announced countermeasures against American goods.
