Von der Leyen: EU to Implement Countermeasures If Negotiations Fall Through

SAMARKAND (ANP) – During a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Von der Leyen announced on Thursday that efforts are underway to finalize the initial package of countermeasures in response to the recently imposed steel tariffs. She emphasized the preparation of additional countermeasures to safeguard European interests and businesses in the event that negotiations do not yield favorable results.

Von der Leyen remarked on the “serious shortcomings” of the global trading system, acknowledging President Trump’s concerns about unfair advantages taken by some nations under the current rules. She expressed her commitment to reforming the global trading system to better align with the realities of today’s economy, but stressed that relying on tariffs as either the first or last option does not truly resolve the underlying issues.

Previously, Trump had announced a base tariff of 10 percent on a majority of goods imported into the United States. On Wednesday, he escalated the situation by introducing an additional 20 percent tariff on European Union products. Experts warn that these actions may trigger inflation and hinder economic growth both in the United States and across the globe.

(April 3, 2025)