The EU goes back against Trump’s tariff threats and her caustic comments that Bloc is willing to get us

BRUSSELS – The European Union on Thursday withdrew strongly against the accusations of President of the United States Donald Trump that the 27 -nations block was willing to get the United States, and warned that it would fight vigorously Any 25% wholesale rate In all EU products.

The Tit-For-OT dispute after Trump’s comments, which were aimed at an ancient ally and his main post-war economic socio, further deepened the transatlantic crack that was already expanded by Trump’s warnings that Washington would eliminate security guarantees for his European allies.

Thursday’s EU rejection occurred after Trump told reporters that “the European Union was formed to annoy the United States. That is the purpose, and they have done a good job, “he added that he would stop immediately under his presidency.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, who has the EU rotary presidency, was a counteroffensive.

“The EU did not train to fuck anyone,” Tusk said in an X publication. “It was quite opposite. It was formed to maintain peace, to generate respect between our nations, create free and fair trade, and to strengthen our transatlantic friendship. As simple as that.”

And the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez added burning fuel to the debate.

“We are going to defend our interests when our economies are attacked with tariffs that are completely unjustified and represent a veiled threat to our economic sovereignty.

“We are committed and prepared to do so,” he said in northern Spain.

The EU also warned that at the time the tariffs are announced, it would be activated hard countermeasures In American iconic industries such as Bourbon, jeans and motorcycles.

“The European Union and its member states have been working for months and we will take measures that are proportional to the challenge. We will do it in unison, ”said Sánchez.

The spokesman for the European Commission, Olof Gill, also said that the EU would face the Trump administration if the tariffs are announced.

“The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade,” Gill said in a statement. “We will also protect our consumers and businesses at every step. They don’t expect less about us. ”

Trump said in the comments on Wednesday night that the United States was ready.

“We are the gold pot. We are what everyone wants. And they can retaliate. But it cannot be a successful retaliation, because we are only in cold turkey. We don’t buy anymore. And if that happens, we win. ”

Gill also countered Trump’s caustic comments about the beginning of the EU and its development as an economic power.

“The European Union is the largest free market in the world. And it has been a blessing to the United States, “he said, adding that the EU has” facilitated trade, reduced costs for US exporters and harmonized norms and regulations, “which makes it easier for US exporters.

The EU estimates that the commercial volume between both sides is approximately $ 1.5 billion, representing about 30% of global trade. Trump has complained about a commercial deficit, but although the block has a substantial export surplus in the goods, the EU says that the surplus of the United States is partially compensated by the surplus of the United States in the trade of services.

The EU says that the goods of goods reached 851 billion euros ($ 878 billion) in 2023, with a commercial surplus of 156 billion euros ($ 161 billion) for the EU. Services trade was worth 688 billion euros ($ 710 billion) with a commercial deficit of 104 billion euros ($ 107 billion) for the EU.

The figures are so great that it was still essential to avoid a commercial war, according to the EU.

“We should work together to preserve these opportunities for our people and businesses. Not against each other, ”said Gill. “Europe represents dialogue, openness and reciprocity. We are ready to associate if you play with the rules. “

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Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, ​​Spain and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.