Trump’s Bold Move: On July 12, 2025, President Trump announced new 30% tariffs on EU (and Mexican) imports, set to begin August 1
Macron’s Rallying Cry: French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the move as “very strong disapproval,” urging the EU to “resolutely defend European interests” and prepare credible countermeasures
Spain’s Stand: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the tariffs “unjustified,” stating that economic openness builds prosperity, but tariffs destroy it
Germany’s Pragmatism: Germany’s Economy Minister Katherina Reiche emphasized the need for a “pragmatic” and swift resolution
Commission Forms Shield: Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s preference for dialogue but warned that proportionate counter-tariffs remain on the table to protect EU interests
EU-Wide Fury & Cohesion Test: Other EU leaders—from Portugal’s António Costa to Sweden’s Ulf Kristersson