European Union Prepared to Counter US Trade Threats, Says Chief Trade Negotiator
The European Union is ready to take countermeasures, including imposing retaliatory tariffs, if the US follows through on its threat to impose 50% tariffs on European goods, according to Bernd Lange, the chief trade negotiator in the European Parliament. In an interview with the Funke-Mediengruppe, Lange said that US President Donald Trump’s intention is to exert pressure on the European Union’s negotiating position, but this will not succeed.
“We will not be intimidated and will try to start negotiations in a calm and objective manner next week” Lange stated. He added that if the negotiations are unsuccessful, the European Union has the strength to take countermeasures, such as imposing retaliatory tariffs, to offset the economic harm. The SPD politician emphasized that the European Union is self-assured and aware of its economic strength.
Lange will travel to Washington next week, where he will convey the European Union’s stance to the US administration. He emphasized that the European Union is willing to discuss possibilities for the recognition of standards or certifications, or to consult on joint activities in the international context, such as improving investment conditions. However, he made it clear that the European Union will not negotiate on European legislation, whether in the areas of taxation, consumer protection, chemical law, or digital policy.
Trump had previously surprised the European Union by escalating the trade conflict, threatening to impose 50% tariffs on European goods, with the exception of those produced in the US, which he recommended exempting. Trump claimed that the negotiations had reached a stalemate. Lange criticized the lack of transparency, saying that there had been no opportunities for weeks to learn what the US side wanted in potential negotiations. He also announced that he will make it clear in Washington that the European Union was not founded to be exploited by the US, but as a peace project to provide secure living conditions and a good future perspective for Europeans.