Trump Initiates Trade War with 20% Tariffs on the EU; Brussels Vows to Stand Firm

Brussels (ANSA) – Ursula von der Leyen’s first message from far-off Samarkand came in shortly after five in the morning. She expressed that Europe, feeling “disappointed by its oldest ally,” must brace itself for an “inevitable impact” yet possesses “all the resources necessary to weather the storm.”

In navigating the challenging waters between the pressure from Donald Trump and the responses from European capitals, the German leader is trying to maintain a careful equilibrium. A preliminary counteraction towards Washington is already scheduled for April 15, although channels for dialogue will remain open to ensure the unity of the Twenty-Seven is not compromised.

Some leaders, such as Emmanuel Macron, are advocating for a tougher stance. The French President argued that the American decision is “brutal and unfounded,” calling on business leaders to halt overseas investments. He assured that “no option is off the table” in the response from Paris and Brussels, while waiting for support from Berlin’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz.

However, many governments, from Rome to Warsaw, favor a diplomatic approach to prevent an escalation that could be detrimental to all parties involved. In the aftermath of Trump’s Liberation Day, Europe is beginning to unite around the consensus that a proper response is necessary. The strategy led by Ursula von der Leyen focuses on three avenues: “Negotiate, react, diversify,” addressing what they deem as “illegal and unjustified” tariffs.

On April 9, member nations will vote to implement initial counter-tariffs starting April 15, targeting iconic American brands like Levis, Harley Davidson, and luxury yachts as a reaction to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. A broader plan is set to launch on May 15, which will include measures aimed at Republican strongholds and a variety of agri-food products.

Additionally, the EU executive is preparing significant measures against Big Tech, with potential penalties stemming from the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) aimed at restraining the influence of major U.S. companies within Europe (April 3).