European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the bloc is “ready to negotiate with the United States.”
“Indeed, we have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods as we have successfully done with many other trading partners because Europe is always ready for a good deal. So we keep it on the table,” von der Leyen said. “But we are also prepared to respond through countermeasures and defend our interests.”
The statement comes as von der Leyen previously said the European Union was “finalising a first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel.”
“And we are now preparing for further countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail,” she declared last week. “We will also be watching closely what indirect effects these tariffs could have, because we cannot absorb global overcapacity nor will we accept dumping on our market.”
“We have already announced new measures to support the steel and cars sectors. Last week, we limited the amount of steel that can be imported to Europe tariff-free,” von der Leyen said at the time. “This will give more breathing space to these strategic industries. Now we will also convene Strategic Dialogues with the steel, the automotive and the pharmaceutical sector. And others will follow.”
E.U. ministers met on Monday to discuss the possibility of negotiations with the United States.
“The EU deeply regrets the new US tariffs and remains committed to dialogue, seeking a negotiated solution acceptable for both sides. Today’s Council shows the member states are united and determined to defend interests of citizens and businesses alike,” said Michał Baranowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Poland. “We support the European Commission and our response will be guided by patience and firmness. All options remain on the table.”
