French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday expressed "strong disapproval" of the United States' decision to impose 30% tariffs on European Union exports, calling for the acceleration of credible EU countermeasures ahead of the August 1 implementation date. Posting on X, Macron said France and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared "very strong disapproval" of the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. He urged the EU to "assert its determination" to defend its economic interests and prepare "all instruments at its disposal" in response. "This implies speeding up the preparation of credible countermeasures, by mobilising all the instruments at its disposal, including anti-coercion, if no agreement is reached by August 1," Macron wrote. The French president reiterated his country's full support for ongoing negotiations and called for intensified talks to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that reflects the "respect trading partners like the EU and the US owe each other." Trump's decision to impose the tariffs on the EU and Mexico has put transatlantic trade negotiations at risk. The move came as the two sides were hoping to finalize a comprehensive trade deal this month. Von der Leyen responded earlier by saying the EU remained ready to negotiate but would take all necessary steps to safeguard its interests, including proportionate countermeasures if needed. — Agencies
