The European Union has vowed to respond collectively to new U.S. tariff threats after President Donald Trump declared on Sunday, February 2, that import tariffs on the EU are “definitely happening.”
Ahead of an informal meeting centered on security issues, European leaders emphasized their readiness to retaliate should the U.S. proceed with the proposed tariffs.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reinforced the EU’s stance, asserting that the bloc “can react to tariff policies with tariff policies” but expressed hope for diplomatic solutions.
“We must and will do that, but the perspective and aim should be that we proceed in such a way so that things come down to cooperation,” Scholz stated.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk dismissed the idea of a tariff war as “totally unnecessary and stupid,” advocating for a firm yet measured response from the EU.
“It’s not easy, but we’ll see,” he remarked, urging the bloc to defend its economic interests while maintaining self-respect.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed concerns over escalating tensions but affirmed Denmark’s commitment to an EU-led response. “I don’t believe in fighting allies, but we will stand together,” she said.
Similarly, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned that tariffs could drive up inflation and reiterated the need for EU unity. “One thing is clear: the EU must act as one,” Martin stressed.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that a trade war with the U.S. would result in widespread economic harm.
“There would be no winners—only job losses and rising prices,” she noted, adding that China would likely benefit from the situation.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda proposed a shift toward a “positive economic agenda” with Washington, suggesting increased EU purchases of U.S. liquid natural gas (LNG) and military equipment as potential bargaining strategies.
The meeting also marked a significant moment for UK-EU relations, as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attended as the first UK leader to engage with EU officials since Brexit.
While Trump described the EU’s €300 billion trade deficit with the U.S. as an “atrocity,” he indicated that a resolution might be possible with the UK, saying discussions with Starmer “could work out.”
Trump’s tariff threats come amid escalating economic disputes with multiple trading partners.
A day prior, on February 1, he declared an economic emergency in the U.S., authorizing a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico.
In response, both Canada and Mexico announced retaliatory measures against American goods, raising concerns over broader trade instability.