France President Emmanuel Macron defended on Saturday (12) that the European Union (EU) must prepare to impose retaliation on US advertised tariffs on the products of the European Bloc with vigor from August 1.
“Along with the president of the European Commission, France shares the same very strong disapproval of the announcement of 30% horizontal tariffs on EU exports to the United States from August 1. This announcement occurs after weeks of intense committee involvement in the United States, based on a solid offer made of good faith,” Macron wrote in an X publication.
According to the French leader, the moment requires “unity” of the economic bloc to “resolutely defend European interests.“ This implies accelerating the preparation of credible countermeasures, mobilizing all instruments at their disposal, including anti-coercion, if no agreement is not reached until August 1, ”said Macron.
Hours earlier, in response to the White House, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said the European Union “is still willing to maintain negotiations with the US,” but also does not rule out the possibility of countermeasures to US tariffs.
For von der Leyer, the rates “would interrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, over companies, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”
She also pointed out that the EU “has always prioritized a solution negotiated with the United States” and reiterated its “commitment to dialogue, stability and a constructive transatlantic partnership.”
See also:
- Trump announces new rates for Mexico and the European Union products
- China accuses Trump of trying to interfere with Bolsonaro’s trial in Brazil
