ADVERTISEMENTEU trade ministers held a meeting in Brussels on Monday following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of 30% tariffs implementation on EU starting from August 1. Meanwhile, German leaders joined other European leaders in advocating for a calm approach towards ongoing trade negotiations.
The ministers discussed trade relations with the US and China during the first day of the two-day Foreign Affairs Council held in the Belgian capital.
US President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, declaring a 30% tariff rate for the EU and Mexico. This move could potentially create massive upheaval in trade relations between the United States and its major trade partners, the EU and Mexico.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen replied by expressing the EU’s commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership. She stated that the EU prefers a negotiated solution and will continue using the available time until August 1 to work on a deal. They have prepared for retaliation if necessary.
Von der Leyen stated that the EU will suspend retaliatory tariffs on US goods scheduled to take effect on Monday, in hopes of reaching a trade agreement with the Trump administration by the end of the month.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz showed a positive tone in the media, stating he had spoken with von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Trump on Friday. They agreed to attempt a deal over the next two weeks. Merz emphasized that similar letters were sent to countries like China and Canada, which have usually found reasonable solutions.
Finance Minister of Germany, Lars Klingbeil, advised against new threats or provocations and urged the EU to continue serious and focused talks with the US.
Other European leaders joined von der Leyen in urging Trump to give negotiations more time and warned of possible new tariffs on Washington.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of European unity and called for the European Commission to resolutely defend European interests.
Italy’s Meloni advises against triggering a trade war
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office stated that it would not be sensible to provoke a trade war between the two sides of the Atlantic.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described Trump’s approach as pointless and shortsighted. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned that an escalated trade conflict would result in losses for everyone, with US consumers paying the highest price.
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed concern over the announcement and emphasized that it is not the way forward.
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin described the tariffs as a “setback” and mentioned that levies are “not sustainable and tenable”. He stated that the EU has countermeasures in place but prefers a negotiated approach rather than implementing them.
