EU Council chief warns Trump’s tariffs are ‘major economic mistake’
Photo: António Costa, President of the European Council (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on European goods is a significant economic mistake that will "affect everyone", said European Council President António Costa in an interview with Euronews.
"This is truly a major economic mistake for the United States and also for Europe and the entire world," he said, commenting on US tariff plans.
He stressed that Europe must respond "in a firm but also smart manner". A solution must be reached through negotiations.
"Going into a tariff war isn't the best path, but we must, indeed, respond in such a way that we can find a negotiated solution in the common and mutual interest of the United States and Europe – of the American economy and the European economy," Costa added.
He noted that trade between the EU and the US accounts for 30% of global trade and 40% of the world’s GDP.
"It won't just affect Europe and the United States, it will affect everyone, so it's a big mistake. But I hope the United States understands the extent of this mistake and that we can avoid a trade war. At a time when everyone wants peace, it makes no sense to create a war now over trade," the European Council President said, referencing ongoing efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trump is expected to announce the most extensive US trade restrictions in a century on April 2, potentially targeting EU goods.
