US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico has raised concerns around the world about a possible global trade war. And the European Union is watching particularly closely as Trump has already signaled his intention to impose tariffs on the bloc. A European Commission spokesman — who did not provide a name — told Euronews on Sunday that the EU 'regrets the US decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China'. 'At the moment we are not aware of the imposition of further tariffs on EU products. Our trade and investment relations with the US are the most important in the world. The stakes are high. We should both seek to strengthen this relationship,' the spokesman said. The European Commission has previously stated that: "Generalized tariff measures increase business costs, hurt workers and consumers. Tariffs create unnecessary economic disruptions and promote inflation. They are harmful to all parties." The spokesman went on to explain that open markets and respect for international trade rules "are essential for strong and sustainable economic growth". "The EU firmly believes that low tariffs foster growth and economic stability within a strong, rules-based trading system. However, the EU will respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods," he concluded. 'The global exchange of goods and raw materials has proved to be a great success story that has brought prosperity to us all, that is why it is important not to divide the world with many customs barriers," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said after meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the UK. Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani echoed Scholz. "The tariff war is not good for anyone. ... We have ideas and strategies to protect our companies with Italy being the best ambassador for the EU in the dialogue with Washington." France's Industry Minister Marc Ferracci told France Info that the EU should have a "biting" response if tariffs were placed on it. "The response must focus on products that are important" and "it must be 'biting,' meaning it should have an impact on the American economy to have a credible threat in negotiations." He also suggested the EU should introduce 'Buy Europe' legislation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a video on X saying there is "cause for concern but not for fear." And in an interview with Euronews a few days ago, European Council President Antonio Costa warned that the EU will be ready to defend its interests in case Washington imposes tariffs. "The US will defend its interests and Europe will defend its own, this is part of international relations. I think there is no need to anticipate or dramatise problems. We should treat them for what they are: problems that need to be solved," Costa said. — Euronews
