Macron Says the EU will Defend Against Trump's Tariff Threat

The European Union will assert its position if its interests are threatened, stated Emmanuel Macron, as the leaders of the bloc called for dialogue while also emphasizing the necessity of a resolute response to Donald Trump’s recent threat of imposing severe tariffs.

“Should our commercial interests come under attack, Europe, as a genuine power, must command respect and therefore take action,” remarked the French president upon his arrival for an informal defense meeting with fellow leaders in Brussels on Monday.

He noted that the recent “decisions and remarks” from the new US administration were compelling the EU to become more unified and proactive in addressing collective security concerns.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany expressed confidence in the EU’s ability to respond to any potential US trade tariffs, while emphasizing that the objective should be to foster cooperation. Kaja Kallas, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, warned that a trade war would yield no victors.

Europe and the United States are interdependent, as noted by the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, who characterized a trade war as “a complete mistake” and emphasized the necessity of preventing conflicts among allies in light of the Russian threat and Chinese expansion.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed that Copenhagen would typically “never support fighting allies,” but indicated that “[if the Trump administration imposed] stringent tariffs on Europe, a collective and robust response would be required.”

On Saturday, Trump enacted significant tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, prompting retaliatory measures from all three nations. He stated on Sunday evening that new tariffs on the European Union would “definitely happen.”

The President of the United States reiterated his long-standing grievances regarding the substantial trade deficit with the European Union and urged Europe to increase its imports of American automobiles and agricultural products. He asserted, “It will definitely happen with the EU, I can tell you that.”

Trump indicated that while there was no precise timeline for the implementation of European tariffs, they would be forthcoming “pretty soon.” He expressed his determination to impose these tariffs, stating, “The European Union has treated us so terribly.”

During his initial term, Trump enacted tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU, which responded with trade duties on notable American products from Republican states, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles, bourbon, denim, and orange juice.

Prior to Trump’s recent threats, the European Commission expressed regret over his decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. A spokesperson remarked on Sunday, “Our trade and investment relationship with the US is the largest in the world. There is much at stake. Tariffs lead to unnecessary economic disruption and are detrimental to all parties involved,” while emphasizing that the EU would “respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods.”

European leaders have called for increased dialogue with Washington. Ireland’s Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, stated that the EU and the US “need to work together constructively” on trade, as protectionist measures would adversely affect citizens “regardless of their location.”

Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, also advocated for negotiations with Trump regarding trade, asserting, “I am not going to start a war; I want to start negotiations,” and highlighted that the primary threat to Europe is Russia.

Participants at the meeting emphasized the necessity for a strong and cohesive response. Luxembourg’s Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, articulated that the appropriate reaction to trade tariffs would be to “respond with equivalent measures,” although he acknowledged that tariffs are “invariably detrimental.”

Spain’s Economy Minister, Carlos Cuerpo, conveyed to RNE radio that the European Union remains committed to trade and supports a globalized market; however, it must not be overly optimistic and should safeguard its businesses to ensure they can compete fairly.

French Industry Minister, Marc Ferracci, stated on France Info radio that negotiations with Washington should reflect “a certain power dynamic.” He indicated that while the bloc must await Trump’s ultimate decision, it is essential to prepare a response in advance. He asserted that any response should target products of significance to the United States and be “impactful,” meaning it should “affect the American economy to serve as a credible threat in negotiations.”

Friedrich Merz, the likely next Chancellor of Germany and leader of the conservative opposition, remarked that Trump would soon understand that the tariffs he enacts “will not be borne by those importing into America … but by American consumers.”

François Villeroy de Galhau, the governor of France’s central bank, described the tariffs already imposed by Trump as “harsh.” He noted that they would heighten economic uncertainty and represent a concerning trend.