Following a recent announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding the imposition of a 30% tariff on EU imports starting next month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has echoed French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for a firm response.
Speaking in a Sunday interview with ARD, Merz stated that in the absence of a negotiated agreement, substantial retaliatory tariffs would be implemented, but not before August 1st. He emphasized the crucial need for “unity within the European Union” to effectively address the situation. Maintaining lines of communication with the US President, described as “reasonable channels of dialogue” was also deemed essential.
Chancellor Merz indicated that negotiations between the European Union, led by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, had already progressed significantly. He expressed optimism that a negotiated resolution remains achievable before the August deadline.