Following the announcement by United States President Donald Trump to impose 30% tariffs on European Union imports starting next month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has echoed French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for a robust response.
Speaking in an ARD-Sommerinterview on Sunday, Merz stated that the imposition of retaliatory tariffs is a likely scenario should a resolution not be reached, but emphasized that such measures would not be enacted before August 1st. He stressed the importance of unity within the European Union at this time. He also underscored the necessity of maintaining open channels of communication with the U.S. President.
Merz indicated that negotiations led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have already progressed considerably. He expressed optimism that a negotiated solution remains attainable before the August deadline.
