Israeli Defense Forces confirm death of Basij commander Golam Reza Soleimani and other senior officials in coordinated raids Ali Larijani,...
Read More
International-News
Von der Leyen: ‘Europe is not the one who started the tariff clash with the US’
The President of the European Commission emphasises Europe’s commitment to respond decisively to threats of new US tariffs
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has responded to Donald Trump’s threats to introduce new tariffs on countries ‘that have taken advantage of the United States’. During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she said that Europe had not initiated the confrontation on tariffs, but was ready to respond with ‘unity and determination’.
‘We do not necessarily want to retaliate, but we have a strong plan to respond if necessary,’ von der Leyen explained. His goal remains a ‘negotiated solution’, but he warned that Europe will defend its interests and its companies if the situation calls for it.
Von der Leyen also reiterated that the EU considers ‘this confrontation’ counterproductive for all parties, as the flow of goods and services between Europe and the US is almost balanced. He emphasised that the transatlantic relationship is the largest and most prosperous in the world and that a constructive solution would be mutually beneficial.
Furthermore, he pointed out how internal barriers in the European single market could have similar effects to very high tariffs, recalling the International Monetary Fund’s estimate of a ‘45 per cent tariff for production and 110 per cent for services’ within the EU. For von der Leyen, it is necessary to remove internal barriers to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to operate across Europe.
Finally, he emphasised the importance of simplifying bureaucracy for professionals and technology companies, improving access to the single market and encouraging investment within Europe. The European Commission, he concluded, will continue to promote ambitious proposals to facilitate growth and innovation in the EU.
THE LATEST NEWS
Iran regime likely to hold power, intelligence assessments say
17 Marzo 2026
U.S. officials see no imminent collapse in Tehran, warning the system could emerge more hardline despite being weakened The Iran...
Read More
South Korea energy crisis hits stocks as Iran war disrupts supply
17 Marzo 2026
Seoul’s market plunges after the Strait of Hormuz closure exposes energy dependence tied to chip production and data infrastructure South...
Read More
Sean Penn Meets Zelensky in Kyiv After Skipping Oscar Ceremony
16 Marzo 2026
The American actor visited the Ukrainian capital after missing the March 15 Academy Awards in Los Angeles, where he won...
Read More
Mojtaba Khamenei transferred to Russia for medical treatment? Moscow remains silent
16 Marzo 2026
According to international media, the new Iranian leader may have been injured in U.S. and Israeli raids. Neither Tehran nor...
Read More
Mojtaba Khamenei’s Reported Sexual Orientation Draws Attention in U.S. Intelligence Briefings
16 Marzo 2026
U.S. intelligence reportedly informed President Donald Trump that Mojtaba Khamenei may be gay, according to the New York Post, amid...
Read More
(Photo: © AndKronos)
