With clear criticism, European politicians reacted to all US imports announced by US President Donald Trump. Top representatives of the EU announced hard reactions. “We should be aware of the immense consequences, the global economy will suffer massively,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We are now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our companies if the negotiations fail.” However, it was not too late for negotiations with the USA.
EU Council President António Costa called for the expansion of trade relationships to other countries. It is now time to ratify the planned new free trade agreements with the South American state alliance Mercosur and Mexico, he said. In addition, negotiations with India and other important partners should be promoted decisively. “The trade is a strong motor of global prosperity.”
The President of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the EU Parliament, Manfred Weber, wrote at X, the tariffs harm the USA how Europe. But Europe stands united and is open to fair and determined conversations, but also for reactions.
The chairman of the trade committee in the EU Parliament, Bernd Lange, demanded a common reaction of all affected countries. The Tariff He described as “unjustified, illegal and disproportionate measures”, which fueled inflation.
Germany wants to support EU
The executive Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) criticized the customs announcements as a “basic falsch” and as a “attack” on the global trade order. “There will only be losers,” he said in Berlin. Scholz announced that the EU states are striving for negotiations with the United States to avert a trade war. The EU countries relied on cooperation, not confronted and would at the same time defend their interests. “Europe is being determined, strongly and appropriately to the decision of the United States,” announced Scholz.
The executive Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) also warned of devastating consequences of the announced tariffs. “US customs mania can start a spiral that can also tear countries into the recession and harm worldwide. With bad consequences for many people,” he said. The tariffs harm the European and the US economy. “We always pushed for negotiations, not for confrontation. That remains right.” It is therefore a good thing that the EU Commission continues to target a negotiating solution with the United States. “But if the United States does not want a negotiating solution, the EU will give a balanced, clear and determined answer. We have prepared for that,” he said. “We have the largest common internal market in the world. We have to use this strength.”
The executive Federal Finance Minister Jörg Kukies (SPD) also said that the EU had to react strongly to the US tariffs, but the merchant block remains open to reach an agreement. “It would be naive to believe that things get better if we just sit and let it happen. Therefore I expect a strong reaction from the European Union,” he told the BBC World Service Radio.
Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel warned of a threat to global economic stability. Trump’s decision is wrong, “because the prosperity of everyone is attacked. The global economic growth will decrease. The prices will increase. Overall, the degree of uncertainty of the economic actors will increase.” In view of the current challenges, strong alliances and less commercial barriers and new conversations are needed. “Germany and Europe are friends of the United States. In this spirit we can shape a strong future together.”
German economy fears consequences
The German economy is also afraid of problems: the President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hildegard Müller,, the customs announcement described the United States’ departure from the rule -based global trade regulations. It was an “America Alone”, she wrote in a message from the association. The President of the Federal Association of Wholesale, Foreign Trade, Services (BGA) Dirk Jandura fears economic losses. These would soon feel this. The general manager of the Association of the German Chemical Industry (VCI), Wolfgang Große Entrup, warned of a trade war and called for negotiations. “An escalation spiral would only increase the damage.” The EU must remain flexible in its reaction.
The Federal Association of German Industry (BDI) campaigned for a coordinated procedure with other countries. “The EU must now strengthen its alliances with other large trading partners and should vote on their reaction with them,” said Wolfgang Niedermark, member of the BDI main management. A coordinated reaction is also necessary to meet diversion effects in international trade. “The flat-rate punitive tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump on all products from the EU are damaged on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Bertram Kawlath, President of the VDMA industry association.
The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) also expects the announced tariffs with a major impact. The measures “mark a fundamental trade policy cut,” said VDA President Hildegard Müller. They are also a “massive burden and challenge for both companies and the global supply chains in the automotive industry”.
EU governments react cautiously
Reactions came from the member states. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that she hoped for a cooperation between the United States and Europe to prevent a trade war. However, she described the US tariffs as wrong. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also said that he wanted “no growing trade barriers”.
The Irish Prime Minister MiTéal Martin regretted the pay decision. “My priority and that of the government is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy.”
France also announced countermeasures in two waves in cooperation with the EU. The first answer will take place in mid-April and refer to the US tariffs on aluminum and steel, said government spokeswoman Sophie Primas on RTL radio. The second answer will probably follow at the end of April and affect a wider range of products and services. France President Emmanuel Macron invited representatives of all industries affected by the US tariffs to a meeting in the Élysée Palace.
Spain’s Minister of Economic Affairs Carlos Cuerpo said that his government was ready to take measures to protect the country’s companies and consumers from the effects of tariffs. The new tariffs are “unfair and unjustified,” he said in an interview with the radio station Rne.
