Europe’s tariff attack on the U.S. with a €21 billion package

“A list of European tariffs worth €21 billion is ready, and a second list may also be added. I am confident progress will be made because tariffs hurt everyone — primarily the United States itself,” said Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani today in response to Washington’s latest tariff measures.

Donald Trump announced on Saturday that starting from August 1, a 30% tariff will be imposed on imports from the European Union and Mexico — a move that now threatens trade talks between Washington and Brussels, talks which the EU hopes to conclude with a comprehensive deal within this month.

Tajani stressed that a stock market downturn could jeopardize Americans’ pensions and savings, adding, “My main goal is to achieve a ‘double zero’ scenario — no tariffs between Europe and the United States. I know it’s not easy, but it’s the only way our economies can grow together.”

He urged Europe to continue negotiations calmly and confidently, emphasizing that “it is in everyone’s interest” to avoid a trade war, as “Europe needs America and vice versa.”

Following the announcement of the new U.S. tariffs, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (the EU’s executive arm), stated that the EU is ready to reach an agreement with Washington before the August 1 tariff deadline. She also pledged to adopt reciprocal and proportional measures to defend the Union’s interests.