Von der Leyen against Trump’s tariffs: “EU is ready for countermeasures”

European Commission chairwoman on phone with Starmer: “Willing to negotiate, but we will defend our interests.” EU-UK summit on May 19

US duties, EU warns, “Available for dialogue, but ready to react.” Starmer: “Industrial policy needed.”
The European Union reiterates readiness for dialogue with the United States following President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs, but does not rule out countermeasures. In a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed “deep concern” about the tariffs announced April 2, deeming them harmful not only to Europe but also to the world’s most fragile economies.

“These measures represent an important turning point for the United States,” von der Leyen said, ”but the EU stands ready to defend its interests with proportionate countermeasures if necessary.

The EU leader also reiterated a strong commitment to working synergistically with the UK, particularly on defense, security and support for Ukraine, anticipating a meeting with Starmer scheduled for April 24 in London at the International Energy Security Summit.

Starmer: “The world has changed, the state must intervene.”

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer warned that the UK will have to review its economic approach. In an interview with the Telegraph, also relayed by the BBC, he said that “the world as we knew it is over” and that the response to the 10 percent tariffs on British exports to the U.S. may require direct state intervention in the economy.

“We cannot cling to old views while the world is changing so rapidly,” he said. ”Even if some people turn up their noses, we will use industrial policy to protect our companies.

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