The European Union wants to respond to the 20% tariffs introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump from a position of strength, writes the European publication Politico, citing diplomats.
„All participants in the discussions believe that we should not react immediately, but it should definitely be from a position of strength“, said an interlocutor of the publication.
EU sources say that Brussels „hates tariffs“ and would like to avoid escalating trade relations with Washington, but most EU countries are convinced that “something needs to be done to get Trump“.
“This is a classic case of dealing with a school bully – you need to punch him in the nose“, says a European diplomat.
Politico's sources indicate that EU foreign ministers will meet in Luxembourg on Monday to discuss a response strategy and sectors of American industry on which Europe intends to impose tariffs.
On April 2, Trump announced tariffs on imports from many countries, with the EU subject to a 20% tariff. Washington's individual import tariffs for other countries will take effect on April 9.