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The European Union's top trade official warned Monday that the bloc is preparing potential countermeasures against the United States as President Donald Trump threatens to impose sweeping 30% tariffs on European goods starting Aug. 1.
EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the "uncertainty" created by what he called "unjustified tariffs" cannot continue indefinitely, signaling Brussels is ready to respond with its own trade restrictions to restore balance in the transatlantic relationship.
"The current uncertainty caused by unjustified tariffs cannot persist indefinitely, and therefore we must prepare for all outcomes, including, if necessary, well considered proportioned countermeasures to restore the balance in our transatlantic relationship," Sefcovic told reporters ahead of a Foreign Affairs Council meeting on trade.
The warning comes after Trump announced Saturday that Washington would impose 30% tariffs on both the EU and Mexico beginning Aug. 1, putting ongoing trade negotiations at risk. The tariff threat undermines EU hopes to finalize a comprehensive trade deal this month.
In separate letters posted on Truth Social and addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump outlined his plan to levy steep tariffs on goods bound for the United States.
Sefcovic described the proposed 30% tariff rate as "effectively prohibitive" to mutual trade between the two economic powers. He emphasized that the EU has consistently approached tariff discussions with the U.S. in "good faith" and remains committed to finding a negotiated solution by the new Aug. 1 deadline.
"We remain convinced that our trans-Atlantic relationship deserves a negotiated solution, one that builds the basis for renewed stability and cooperation," Sefcovic said, adding that Brussels continues to engage with the Trump administration and prioritize diplomatic solutions.
Despite the escalating tensions, the EU commissioner expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, claiming both sides remain "ready" to continue negotiations. "I'm absolutely 100% sure that a negotiated solution is much better than the tension that we might have after the first of August," he said.
Von der Leyen has already signaled the EU's willingness to work toward an agreement before the Aug. 1 deadline while vowing to take all necessary steps to protect European interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if negotiations fail.
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