site.btaMEP Eva Maydell: EU Poised to Counter US Tariffs, But Negotiations Likely

Bulgarian MEP Eva Maydell (EPP/GERB) said on Wednesday that the EU would likely have to respond to new US tariffs but remains open to negotiations.

The US and Europe account for 30% of global trade, and we are each other’s most important partners. However, it seems we will be forced to respond to the tariffs the US plans to impose, Maydell told reporters.

She noted that the looming US tariffs, expected to be announced on Wednesday, cover about EUR 28 billion, and the EU is prepared with countermeasures worth EUR 26 billion. 

Despite the potential conflict, Maydell sees room for dialogue. “I believe President Trump’s administration is putting everything on the table so that different countries and the EU can initiate negotiations,” she said.

Maydell said that trade relations affect not only institutions but also the broader economy, the private sector, and individual businesses. 

“Over the coming weeks, we anticipate more intense talks at every level,” she added, explaining that after discussions with member states, the EU is determined to ensure any response impacts the US economy more than its own.

“The biggest loser [in a trade war] will be the consumer,” she warned. “We are aware of this and do not want to escalate the situation, but we are compelled to react.” 

Maydell expects the fresh US tariffs to deal a “slight blow” to Europe’s economy but stressed the EU’s status as the largest single market with 450 million consumers. “Right now, global business sees Europe as a place of predictability and security," she said.