The European Commission has warned that up to 100 billion euros worth of European exports risk being subject to US tariffs. Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the EU is preparing countermeasures should talks with the US fail.
These Brussels preparations include drafting a list of American goods that could be targeted by European import duties. A majority of the European Parliament supports a strong European response and emphasizes the importance of solidarity within the internal market.
These parliamentarians argue that trust in the EU is undermined if individual EU countries seek to make separate deals with the United States, which could lead to division and weaken the European negotiating position. A minority in the parliament, mainly from right-wing parties, warn of economic risks from a potential escalation.
Despite the criticism, Dombrovskis emphasized that the EU’s goal is not to punish, but to maintain a level playing field. The European Commission continues to pursue diplomatic dialogue but simultaneously insists on the right to take proportionate countermeasures if the US does impose tariffs.
High-level talks are ongoing in Washington between EU officials and representatives of the US government. The EU is trying to make clear in these discussions that unilateral US actions are harmful to transatlantic economic relations.
At the same time, the EU faces internal pressure to act confidently. In the broader context of the trade debate, a sentiment of “produce European, buy European and protect European” is growing within Europe. Increasing voices both in parliament and within the Commission are calling to take strategic autonomy seriously.
This drive for European protection is also accompanied by concerns over a possible economic break with the US. Nevertheless, the central position of the European Parliament remains that the EU must not give in to pressure but must defend its trade interests with conviction, unity, and rule-of-law measures.
These calls also reflect a growing desire to be less dependent on external powers in other areas. This discussion increasingly comes up, among others, regarding the large American military role within NATO. This has now led the EU to work on plans to support its “own” defense industry with hundreds of millions of euros in additional funding.