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Von der Leyen warns Trump of retaliation in trade war

by AI | 04.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Union will not stand idly by if US President Donald Trump significantly increases import tariffs on goods and services from the EU. “If it is treated unfairly or arbitrarily, the European Union will respond forcefully,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday after the conclusion of the EU leaders’ summit.

Ursula von der Leyen (left) and António Costa (right). (Photo: JEAN THYS / AFP)

BRUSSELS (ANP) – She referred to the tariff increases that Trump imposed on Mexico and Canada this weekend. At the last moment, the tariffs were postponed for 30 days, following promises from the US neighbors.

According to Von der Leyen, increasing US import tariffs “raises costs for companies, harms workers and consumers, causes unnecessary economic disruptions, and drives inflation.”

The EU summit was almost entirely focused on defense, but the transatlantic relationship with the US was also high on the agenda. Von der Leyen emphasized that it is the US’s most important relationship. “It is fundamental for promoting peace, security, and prosperity.”

According to the Commission President, a lot is at stake. Against that background, EU leaders have discussed ways “to strengthen a very pragmatic cooperation with the United States.” There are “new challenges and growing uncertainties,” said Von der Leyen afterwards.

According to the German politician, the European Union is prepared for a “robust, but constructive dialogue with the United States,” but will not accept everything. “We are ready” for a possible conflict, she warned.

(February 4, 2025)