The European Union revealed it had proposed a “zero-for-zero” tariff arrangement with the United States, covering cars and industrial goods, weeks before Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič confirmed he raised the offer during his first meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on 19 February, adding that while the EU remains open to negotiations, it would not “wait endlessly” to defend its interests. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the offer still stands, though Trump appeared dismissive, insisting the EU would need to rely on US energy supplies.
++ Zelensky predicts Putin’s demise amid speculation on russian leader’s heal
The bloc is preparing a targeted response to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium, set to be implemented from 15 April. Though up to €26 billion in US goods are under consideration, items like bourbon whiskey may be exempted amid internal EU debate, particularly from France and Ireland. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned against weakening the EU’s unified stance, while Italy’s government called for a delay to countermeasures, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly preparing to appeal directly to Trump during an upcoming visit to Washington.
Divisions among EU member states are also surfacing over whether to retaliate against US tech firms. While France has taken a hardline approach, advocating for “extremely aggressive” countermeasures, Ireland has rejected the idea of escalating the dispute, especially at a time when collaboration is needed. Discussions are ongoing regarding products the EU can target that minimise domestic disruption, such as soya beans and certain consumer goods, while excluding strategically important imports like liquefied natural gas.
++ Susanna Reid announces short break from Good Morning Britain
Šefčovič told ministers that the EU would not seek a “tit-for-tat” approach, but was being “forced” into action. The bloc’s unused anti-coercion legislation, which allows for measures like revoking business licences and banning companies from EU contracts, may now be considered. As EU ministers met in Luxembourg, economic pressures mounted, with Trump’s tariffs already affecting €382 billion of EU exports. Germany’s Habeck criticised the tariffs and recent remarks by Elon Musk, suggesting they indicated broader economic weakness on the US side. Calls are growing across Europe for a strong, unified response that protects EU business interests without provoking further instability.
