In response to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, the European Union came out strongly on Thursday, rebuffing his claim that the 27-nation bloc was established to undermine the United States. The EU also issued a stern warning regarding any potential implementation of a 25% tariff on all EU products, insisting that they would robustly confront such actions.
Tensions have been escalating across the Atlantic following Trump’s remarks against a long-standing ally and chief economic partner post-World War II. This discord was exacerbated by Trump’s previous indications that the U.S. might withdraw security support for its European allies.
Trump’s comments earlier suggested that “the European Union was formed to screw the United States,” a statement he said will no longer stand under his leadership. In response, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, representing the EU’s rotating presidency, countered these claims.
Tusk addressed the issue by stating on social media, “The EU wasn’t formed to screw anyone. Quite the opposite. It was formed to maintain peace, to build respect among our nations, to create free and fair trade, and to strengthen our transatlantic friendship. As simple as that.”
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, speaking from Washington at Johns Hopkins University, asserted that the EU harbors no ill intentions, and emphasized the importance of unity with the U.S. rather than conflict.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reinforced these sentiments, commenting on defending European interests against any unwarranted tariffs that challenge economic sovereignty. “We are committed and prepared to do so,” Sánchez declared in Northern Spain.
The European Union also cautioned about potential retaliation should tariffs be enacted, highlighting possible countermeasures affecting key American products such as bourbon, jeans, and motorcycles.
Pedro Sánchez further clarified that the EU has been preparing for such eventualities for months and reiterated, “We are going to adopt measures that are proportional to the challenge,” highlighting a readiness to protect the EU’s economic interests.
Metsola reiterated in her statements that the EU would firmly respond to any tariff announcement from the Trump administration, with a declared readiness for all outcomes.
In contrast, Trump signaled an equal readiness for a confrontation, describing the U.S. as an indispensable economic partner beyond the reach of successful retaliation. He suggested a scenario where the U.S. might cease buying European goods, implying such strategies would be to America’s benefit.
Trade volumes between the EU and the U.S. are enormous, amounting to approximately $1.5 trillion, accounting for about 30% of global trade. Trump’s grievance revolves around a trade deficit. However, while the EU boasts of a significant export surplus in goods, this is partly offset by a U.S. surplus in trade services.
In 2023, EU statistics showed that trade in goods reached 851 billion euros ($878 billion), with the EU maintaining a surplus of 156 billion euros ($161 billion). Conversely, trade in services amounted to 688 billion euros ($710 billion), with the EU facing a deficit of 104 billion euros ($107 billion). Due to the substantial amounts involved, the EU stresses that avoiding a trade war remains crucial.
“We should be talking about trade agreements rather than tariffs,” Metsola urged in her conclusion, emphasizing diplomacy over conflict.
