EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has warned the United States that future trade agreements must be grounded in “mutual respect, not threats,” after Donald Trump proposed a 50% tariff on EU goods. The former US president expressed frustration with the slow pace of trade talks and accused the EU of taking advantage of the US economy. Šefčovič reaffirmed that the EU is open to a fair deal but will defend its interests if provoked.
Trump’s tariff threats, set to take effect June 1, were met with disappointment and resistance across European capitals. Leaders from Ireland, France, Italy, and the Netherlands warned that escalating tariffs could cause serious damage to transatlantic trade and consumer prices. Germany’s trade representative even hinted at countermeasures, signaling Europe’s readiness to respond if negotiations continue to stall.
