German Chancellor Says EU Ready to Retaliate if U.S. Tariffs Proceed
(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday cautioned the United States not to underestimate the European Union's resolve to respond firmly if Washington proceeds with steep tariffs.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soeder, Merz emphasized that while the EU is ready to enact retaliatory measures, its preference remains a negotiated settlement.
Merz delivered these comments during a joint press briefing with Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soeder. He stated that the EU is ready to implement countermeasures but remains hopeful for a negotiated resolution.
Merz also noted that he remains in active communication with both U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with the goal of swiftly reaching an agreement to ease trade restrictions and bring tariffs back down.
The Chancellor acknowledged there is a narrow window left for talks, saying negotiations with Washington can continue through the end of July, but warned that “this will not be easy.”
The warning comes after President Trump announced on Saturday that his administration would slap a 30 percent tariff on EU exports starting August 1. On the same day, von der Leyen responded that the EU would take reciprocal action if necessary.
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