EU Says It Holds "A Lot of Cards" On Trump’s Tariffs

A top European Union (EU) official warned the United States that the world’s largest trade bloc “holds a lot of cards” in response to new tariffs proposed by the Trump administration and is prepared to retaliate, if necessary, Alan Bradley reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The European Commission, which handles trade deals and disputes on behalf of the EU’s 27 member states, emphasized that the bloc’s strength comes not only from the size of its market, but also from its readiness to implement firm countermeasures. I Photo: European Commission Facebook

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose new taxes on foreign imports, which he dubbed “Liberation Day,” claiming the move would reduce America's dependence on overseas goods.

He vowed that the U.S. would implement “reciprocal” tariffs to match duties other countries impose on American products.

“Europe has not initiated this confrontation. We do not necessarily want to retaliate, but if it becomes necessary, we have a strong plan — and we will use it,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

The European Commission, which handles trade deals and disputes on behalf of the EU’s 27 member states, emphasized that the bloc’s strength comes not only from the size of its market, but also from its readiness to implement firm countermeasures.

“All instruments are on the table,” von der Leyen declared, noting that Europe’s leverage spans trade, technology, and economic scale.