European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed continued hope for a resolution to the ongoing trade dispute with the United States, despite President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of planned tariffs.
Following the U.S. declaration of a 30% tariff on EU imports set to take effect August 1st, von der Leyen stated that the Commission remains committed to working towards an agreement by that deadline. She emphasized the EU’s prioritization of negotiated solutions with the U.S., reiterating a consistent effort to achieve such outcomes.
However, von der Leyen also underscored the EU’s preparedness to take necessary steps to safeguard its interests. This includes the potential implementation of proportionate counter-measures should the tariffs be imposed.
The Commission President cautioned that the introduction of duties of this magnitude would significantly disrupt vital transatlantic supply chains, with potentially detrimental consequences for businesses, consumers and patients on both continents.
Von der Leyen further indicated that until an agreement is reached, the EU intends to strengthen its global partnerships, firmly anchored in the principles of rules-based international trade.
