EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen Calls for Dialogue with Trump After 30% Tariff on European Goods
Brussels, July 12, 2025 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a new 30% tariff on EU goods. She said the European Union is still willing to reach a negotiated solution with Washington in order to avoid these punitive tariffs.
In a statement, von der Leyen said, “A 30% tariff on EU exports would disrupt key transatlantic supply chains, negatively affecting businesses, consumers, and patients — on both sides.”
She added, “We are committed to working toward an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to protect the EU’s interests — including preparing appropriate countermeasures.”
Von der Leyen further stated, “Very few economies in the world are as committed to openness and fair trade policies as the European Union.”
Earlier the same day, President Trump announced that a 30% import tariff on goods from the European Union and Mexico will take effect starting August 1. In his announcement, Trump cited ongoing trade imbalances with the EU and the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. through Mexico as key reasons for the decision. The announcement was made via his Truth Social platform.
This new tariff rate is higher than the previously declared 20%. Although a 10% tariff increase was scheduled to take effect on July 10 for several countries including the EU, Trump postponed the increase to August 1 at the last moment.
In response to earlier tariff actions — such as those on steel and aluminum — the EU has already prepared countermeasures worth €21 billion, which remain suspended until July 14. While European officials have not yet taken formal steps to extend that suspension, it could be implemented swiftly depending on how the situation develops.
Additionally, in response to Trump’s latest actions, a special emergency meeting of ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states has been convened for Sunday afternoon in Brussels.
