The European Union (EU) firmly responded on Thursday to the assertions made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused the 27-nation bloc of adversarial intentions towards the United States. The EU cautioned that it would staunchly oppose any blanket tariff of 25% on all EU imports. This escalating discord follows Trump’s comments targeting a longstanding ally and crucial economic partner in the postwar era, widening the chasm in trans-Atlantic relations that has been exacerbated by his threats to retract security assurances for European allies.
Trump’s controversial remarks were made public when he alleged that the EU was created to undermine the United States. “The European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it,” he proclaimed, asserting that such practices would cease under his administration. In response, Donald Tusk, Poland’s Prime Minister and current holder of the EU’s rotating presidency, launched a counteroffensive.
Tusk clarified via a post online, “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.” His statement resonated amid fiery comments from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who vowed to confront any unjust tariffs or threats to EU sovereignty.
Sánchez declared in northern Spain, “We will stand up to those who attack us with unfair tariffs and veiled threats to our sovereignty. We are committed and prepared to do so.” Furthermore, the EU indicated that if tariffs were announced, it would enact stringent countermeasures targeting emblematic U.S. industries including bourbon, jeans, and motorcycles.
Reaffirming this stance, European Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill stated, “The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade,” and emphasized the commitment to safeguarding EU consumers and businesses. In a rebuttal to Trump’s insinuations, Gill highlighted the EU’s role as a formidable marketplace that benefits U.S. exporters by facilitating trade and diminishing costs through harmonized regulations.
Despite Trump’s rhetoric, wherein he described the U.S. as an unmatched economic force that others could not successfully retaliate against, the EU remains a significant trade partner. Trade volume between the EU and the U.S. is estimated at roughly $1.5 trillion, accounting for about 30% of global trade. While Trump has pointed out a deficit in goods, the EU maintains that this is counterbalanced by a surplus in services trade from the U.S.
In 2023, EU trade data indicate that trade in goods amounted to 851 billion euros ($878 billion), with an EU trade surplus of 156 billion euros ($161 billion). On the flip side, service trade totaled 688 billion euros ($710 billion), where the EU experienced a deficit of 104 billion euros ($107 billion). Given the scale of economic ties, the EU underscores the importance of avoiding a trade conflict.
Gill concluded with a call for cooperation rather than conflict, saying, “We should work together to preserve these opportunities for our people and businesses. Not against each other. Europe stands for dialogue, openness, and reciprocity. We’re ready to partner if you play by the rules.”
