EU eyes 2-track response to US tariffs: Talks first, countermeasures 'if necessary'

ISTANBUL

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday signaled a "two-track approach" to US tariffs – talks and countermeasures "if necessary."

"We have a two-track approach. It's very important. We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case, and we will use the time that we have now till the 1st of August," von der Leyen said during joint news briefing with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Brussels.

She said that for the second track, they are ready to respond with countermeasures they had prepared "if necessary."

"We have prepared and agreed on the first list of countermeasures. We have developed a second potential list of countermeasures that is, by now agreed to, and the ACI (Anti-Coercion Instrument) is created for extraordinary situations," von der Leyen explained.

She reassured that Europe is prepared for "all eventual scenarios," but underlined: "We are not there yet. This is very important. This is now the time for negotiations."

She also announced that they would extend the suspension of EU countermeasures against US tariffs till early August, while continuing to prepare further measures.

EU had paused its countermeasures on US trade tariffs to allow time and space for EU-US negotiations until July 14.

The commission president further reiterated the need to diversify trade relationship and working on the single market itself.

She also announced an agreement with Indonesia to create opportunities in key industries and strengthen the supply chains of critical raw materials.

"I am very pleased to report that we have just reached a political agreement on an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It’s a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. We call it CEPA," von der Leyen said.

Indonesian President Subianto also welcomed the agreement as a "very important" contribution to economic and geopolitical stability in the world, stressing that they want to see more "European presence" and "European participation" in their economy.

"Together, we are sending a strong message about the importance of predictable, long-term partnerships, partnerships that are built on trust, reciprocity, transparency and shared values," von der Leyen added.

On Saturday, Trump announced that the US will impose 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico starting from Aug. 1, putting US-EU trade talks at risk, as the bloc had aimed to finalize a comprehensive trade deal this month.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared separate letters addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, announcing a 30% tariff on goods bound for the US from Europe and Mexico.

Von der Leyen then voiced readiness to work toward an agreement with the US by Aug. 1 and vowed to take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures.