The European Union is preparing additional countermeasures against US tariffs if negotiations fail. This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a video message published on the social network X, News.bg reports.
US President Donald Trump has imposed 20% tariffs on European goods, which according to von der Leyen is a serious blow to the global economy.
“There seems to be no order in this chaos, and uncertainty is growing, affecting all US trading partners“, she said. According to her, this could lead to a spiraling rise in protectionism and severe consequences for millions of people around the world, especially for the most vulnerable economies that are already affected by high US tariffs.
The EC President acknowledged that some countries were taking advantage of weaknesses in the global trading system, but stressed that the EU was ready to work for reforms that reflect the realities of the modern economy.
“Europe is ready to respond. We will always defend our interests and values,“ von der Leyen was categorical.
Her comments come after the EU announced retaliatory tariffs in response to US trade restrictions, as part of its efforts to protect European workers and consumers.