The European Union, while remaining open to negotiations with the United States regarding tariffs, does not intend to wait indefinitely. The European Commission plans to take appropriate measures in response to the introduction of US tariffs on April 15 and May 15, announced European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Trade Discussions and Countermeasures
According to Dombrovskis, the current trade situation between the EU and the US is complex, as the parties are still in the early stages of discussion. The Commissioner noted:
“Until we see tangible progress, we will work along three lines: protecting our interests through countermeasures, diversifying our trade based on new agreements, and countering harmful trade deviations.”
He also emphasized that the European Commission has received valuable feedback from member states and 660 stakeholders regarding tariffs on steel and aluminum. After a thorough review of this data, a reliable list of countermeasures will be created, and the final tariffs on goods are expected to be sent to member states later today. A vote on these measures is scheduled for April 9, and the final list will be adopted on April 15. Tariffs on the first set of goods will take effect on the designated day, while the remaining measures will come into force on May 15.
Diversification and Market Protection
Dombrovskis added that the European Union plans to strengthen trade and investment ties with partners around the world, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the Gulf region. The Commissioner also stressed the EU’s readiness to use all available tools to protect its single market, producers, and consumers.
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described President Donald Trump’s tariffs as a serious blow to the global economy, emphasizing that the EU is prepared to take countermeasures in the event of unsuccessful negotiations with Washington. On April 2, Trump announced the introduction of tariffs on goods imported into the US, with a base rate of 10%, while for EU countries, it will be 20%.