Ursula von der Leyen Responds to Trump’s Tariff Ultimatum
Economy
Trade relations between Brussels and Washington have entered a zone of deep turbulence. Following Donald Trump’s sudden threat to raise duties on European cars to 25%, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a firm response. Speaking in Yerevan, she reminded the U.S. President that international agreements are not a subject for manipulation, emphasizing that Europe is legally protected and ready for any scenario.
The latest escalation in the transatlantic dialogue was sparked by Donald Trump’s intent to raise tariffs on EU vehicles from the agreed 15% to 25%. The White House's irritation was triggered by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks about Iran "humiliating" the U.S., which immediately impacted the interests of the German automotive industry. Ursula von der Leyen, who oversees the bloc's trade policy, stressed that the United States is bound by an established limit that precludes the unilateral accumulation of additional duties.
"A deal is a deal. We expect mutual benefit and reliability," stated the head of the European Commission, pointing out that Washington is obligated to adhere to the 15% "ceiling" fixed in last year's joint agreements. The tension is exacerbated by the European Parliament's delay in finalizing the trade act. Previously, the process was frozen due to Trump's attempt to buy Greenland, forcing European legislators to introduce strict amendments to the text to strengthen guarantees.
Brussels has already requested "clarity" from Washington while simultaneously preparing a plan for retaliatory measures. European Council President António Costa confirmed that all 27 member states fully support the Commission's stance. A decisive round of negotiations is expected on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Paris, where Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether a full-scale trade war, which could undermine the economies of the continent's largest exporters, can be averted.
"A deal is a deal. We expect mutual benefit and reliability," stated the head of the European Commission, pointing out that Washington is obligated to adhere to the 15% "ceiling" fixed in last year's joint agreements. The tension is exacerbated by the European Parliament's delay in finalizing the trade act. Previously, the process was frozen due to Trump's attempt to buy Greenland, forcing European legislators to introduce strict amendments to the text to strengthen guarantees.
Brussels has already requested "clarity" from Washington while simultaneously preparing a plan for retaliatory measures. European Council President António Costa confirmed that all 27 member states fully support the Commission's stance. A decisive round of negotiations is expected on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Paris, where Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether a full-scale trade war, which could undermine the economies of the continent's largest exporters, can be averted.
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