European Commission seeks swift resolution to avert US tariffs

• European Union is prepared for swift negotiations with the USA, aiming to reach an agreement by July 9.
• Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on imports from the EU starting June 1, prompting a reaction from the European Commission.
• German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil urged the USA to engage in serious negotiations, emphasizing that the tariffs could harm both the American and European economies.

"Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively. To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9," Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.

The head of the EC emphasized that "the EU and US share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship."

On Friday, Trump stated that he "is not looking for a deal" with the European Union and threatened to impose 50% tariffs on imports from the EU starting June 1.

The European Commission reacted to Trump's threats by calling on the USA to enter negotiations.

"The EU's fully engaged, committed to securing a deal that works for both. remains ready to work in good faith," said EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. Meanwhile, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil warned that American tariffs could harm both the US and European economies.

At the beginning of May, the EU threatened to impose tariffs on imports from the USA, including cars and airplanes, valued at approximately 95 billion EUR (148 billion CAD) if negotiations do not yield results. The European Commission also announced plans to bring the matter to the World Trade Organization.

In recent months, the US administration has imposed tariffs on the European Union three times, further complicating the situation.