In response to US President Donald Trump‘s threats to impose a 50% tariff on all goods imported from the EU, Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations, and Transparency, has stated that Europeans are prepared to defend their interests.
The EU’s trade chief reaffirmed the commitment of the 27-member bloc to securing a trade agreement with the United States based on principles of respect rather than intimidation.
President Trump has maintained a confrontational stance and has made questionable claims regarding the EU and its objectives. On his platform, Truth Social, he remarked, “The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on trade, has been very difficult to deal with.”
Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič had a call with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on 23 May.
“The EU’s fully engaged, committed to securing a deal that works for both. Spoke w @jamiesongreer & @howardlutnick. The EU’s fully engaged, committed to securing a deal that works for both. @EU_Commission remains ready to work in good faith. EU-US trade is unmatched & must be guided by mutual respect, not threats. We stand ready to defend our interests. EU-US trade is unmatched & must be guided by mutual respect, not threats. We stand ready to defend our interests,” the EU Trade Commissioner posted on X after discussing with US officials.
