European Union leaders meeting in Brussels on Monday warned there would be no winners in a trade war with the United States, emphasizing they would retaliate if President Donald Trump follows through with his threat to impose tariffs on the bloc.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe must demonstrate its strength if Trump targets the EU with tariffs.
“If we are attacked in terms of trade, Europe — as a true power — will have to stand up for itself,” Macron stated.
The 27 EU leaders, along with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and NATO officials, were gathered in the Belgian capital to discuss ways to strengthen Europe’s defenses, particularly in light of Russia’s growing aggression. However, the discussions were overshadowed by Trump’s recent decision to implement tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, with the U.S. president now threatening to impose similar measures on the EU.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, currently holding the EU presidency, expressed concern, calling for efforts to avoid a “totally unnecessary and stupid” trade war.
Trump has made no secret of his disdain for the EU, frequently accusing the bloc of treating the U.S. “very, very unfairly” on trade matters. Following the imposition of levies on his North American neighbors and China, Trump reinforced his position on Sunday, saying he “definitely” planned to target the EU next.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the negative consequences of a trade dispute, stating that it would be “bad for the U.S., bad for Europe,” and that transatlantic cooperation would be the best outcome for both sides.
“We can also react,” Scholz added, signaling a shift from Germany’s typically cautious approach to trade relations with the U.S.
EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas echoed these sentiments, noting that there are “no winners in trade wars,” and underlining the importance of a strong EU-U.S. relationship.
On Sunday, the European Commission stated it would retaliate “firmly” if Trump moved forward with targeting the EU and condemned his sweeping measures against Canada, Mexico, and China, which had already caused economic disruption and inflation.
Up until now, Brussels had sought to avoid a trade conflict with the U.S. through diplomatic negotiations, but as tensions rise, it is preparing for potential action.
Later, European Council Chief Antonio Costa held a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both leaders reaffirming the strength of the EU-Canada bilateral relationship and their determination to continue collaboration despite growing U.S. tensions.
In recent weeks, Brussels has worked to diversify its trading partnerships, announcing strengthened trade deals with Mexico and resuming talks with Malaysia on a free trade agreement.
The EU had previously responded to tariffs imposed on European steel and aluminum exports during Trump’s first term in 2018 by implementing its own higher duties on U.S. goods, a move that escalated tensions between the two trading giants.
