Politico reported, citing European diplomatic sources, that the European Union plans to respond to Washington's recent 20% tariffs by taking a strong and firm stance.
Unidentified sources told the newspaper that Brussels strongly opposes the use of tariffs as a tool of pressure by the administration of US President Donald Trump and is keen to avoid any escalation in trade tensions with Washington. However, the majority of EU member states see the need to take practical steps to attract Washington's attention.
"All participants in the discussions agree that the response should not be immediate, but it should certainly come from a position of strength," one source said.
The sources confirmed that most EU countries are convinced that clear action is needed to "send a firm message to Trump." In this context, one European diplomat commented, "This is similar to dealing with a school bully; you need to punch him in the face."
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the appropriate response strategy to the US move during their meeting in Luxembourg on Monday. The discussions will include identifying US industrial sectors that could be targeted with countervailing tariffs, reflecting the EU's desire to defend its economic interests.
These developments came after Trump announced on April 2 that he would impose new tariffs on imports from several countries, with a 20% tariff applied to European exports.
Individual customs duties imposed on other countries will take effect on April 9.