EU leaders suggest imposing tariffs on imports from US as a retaliatory measure

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, ahead of an informal meeting of EU leaders, noted that the bloc "can react to tariff policies with tariff policies."

"We must and will do that, but the perspective and aim should be that we proceed in such a way so that things come down to cooperation," added the head of the German government.

Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that the EU must do everything to "avoid this totally unnecessary and stupid tariff war."

"We cannot lose common sense, we cannot lose awareness of our interests. At the same time, we cannot lose our European self-respect and self-confidence. It's not easy, but we'll see," he clarified.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that she "does not support fighting allies," but Denmark will cooperate and respond to US tariffs.

At the same time, EU foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, stated that there would be "no winners" in a trade war with the US. She emphasized that tariffs would affect jobs and prices, adding that China would "be the othe one laughing on the side."

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, for his part, emphasized the need to "switch to a positive economic agenda" in relations with the US, proposing that the EU purchase more liquefied natural gas (LNG) and additional American military equipment.

Trump's threats

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that the US would soon impose tariffs on imports from the European Union.

At the same time, the US has already introduced trade tariffs against Canada and China. The tariffs were also set to apply to imports from Mexico, but Trump agreed to suspend these measures following a conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.