EU Responds to Trump Tariffs: A Measured Approach Amidst Trade Tensions

The European Union is responding to US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The EU's response is firm but seeks to avoid further escalation of trade tensions. The EU's commissioner for trade, Maroš Šefčovič, emphasized that the EU remains open to dialogue with the US, but only on the basis of mutual respect, not threats. "The Union is always open to an agreement with the United States," Šefčovič stated, "but it must be based on mutual respect and not threats." This measured approach follows previous retaliatory measures by the EU, including tariffs on steel and aluminum, which were temporarily suspended. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether an agreement can be reached in the face of ongoing trade disputes. The EU's determination to defend its interests while simultaneously pursuing a path towards de-escalation underscores the complexity of the situation.