EU finalising measures to counter US tariffs if talks fail – von der Leyen

This was reported in a statement released on Wednesday evening by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as reported by Ukrinform.

“We are already finalizing the first package of retaliatory measures to the steel tariffs. We are currently preparing additional countermeasures to protect our interests and business in case the negotiations fail. We will also closely monitor the possible indirect effects of these tariffs, as we cannot cope with global excess capacity and do not accept dumping in our market,” she said.

According to von der Leyen, Europeans will always defend and promote their own interests and values.

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“And we will always protect the EU. But there is an alternative. It is still possible to solve problems through negotiations. That is why our Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is in constant contact with his American colleagues. We will strive to reduce barriers, not to increase them. Let's move from confrontation to dialogue,” the President of the European Commission added.

She also addressed Europeans: “Europe has everything it needs to weather this storm. We are united. If you challenge one of us, you challenge us all. So we will stick together and support each other. Our unity is our strength. Europe has the world’s largest single market – 450 million consumers – and this is our safe haven in uncertain times. And Europe will be on the side of those most affected. We have already announced new measures to support the steel and automotive sectors. Last week, we limited the amount of steel that can be imported into Europe without tariffs,” von der Leyen said.

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She stressed that the EU would continue to build ties with all those who, like the EU, care about fair and rules-based trade as the foundation of shared prosperity.

As reported by Ukrinform, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of general tariffs against the country's trading partners, calling it America's “Liberation Day.”