BRUSSELS – The European Union strongly rebuffed accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, rejecting his claims that the 27-nation bloc was deliberately undermining the United States. The EU also vowed to fight back against any sweeping 25% tariffs on its exports.
Trump’s remarks, aimed at a long-standing ally and key postwar economic partner, have deepened the growing transatlantic divide—already strained by his threats to scale back Washington’s security commitments to Europe.
The EU’s firm response came after Trump told reporters, “The European Union was formed to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it.” He added that under his leadership, this would come to an end immediately.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, swiftly fired back.
“The EU wasn’t created to ‘screw’ anyone,” Tusk wrote on X. “Quite the opposite. It was founded to preserve peace, foster mutual respect, promote free and fair trade, and strengthen our transatlantic bond. It’s as simple as that.”
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, speaking at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, echoed Tusk’s sentiments.
“We are not out to undermine anyone,” Metsola said. “Instead of pulling apart, we should be lifting each other up.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez took a more combative stance, warning that the EU would not sit idly by if tariffs were imposed.
“We will defend our economic interests against unjustified tariffs that threaten our sovereignty,” Sánchez declared in northern Spain. “We are fully prepared to respond.”
EU Warns of Retaliation
The EU made it clear that any tariff hikes by Washington would trigger swift countermeasures against emblematic U.S. industries such as bourbon, jeans, and motorcycles.
“The European Union and its member states have been working on a proportionate response for months,” Sánchez said.
Metsola reinforced this message, asserting that Brussels would not hesitate to take action.
“We are ready for anything. Let me be clear: if tariffs are imposed, the EU will react firmly and immediately,” she said. “We don’t want to go down that road, but we are fully prepared if necessary.”
Trump Stands His Ground
Trump, however, dismissed concerns over potential retaliation, insisting that the U.S. had the upper hand.
“We are the pot of gold. Everyone wants access to our market,” he said late Wednesday. “They can retaliate, but it won’t work. If needed, we’ll go cold turkey—we’ll stop buying altogether. And if that happens, we win.”
The stakes are high. The EU estimates that trade between the two economic powerhouses amounts to approximately $1.5 trillion, accounting for around 30% of global trade. While Trump frequently cites the U.S. trade deficit with the EU, Brussels points out that while it does run a surplus in goods, this is partly offset by the U.S. surplus in services.
According to EU data, trade in goods between the two sides totaled €851 billion ($878 billion) in 2023, with the EU enjoying a €156 billion ($161 billion) surplus. However, in services, the U.S. held a €104 billion ($107 billion) surplus, with total trade in that sector reaching €688 billion ($710 billion).
With so much at stake, EU officials stress that avoiding a trade war is paramount.
“We should be discussing trade agreements, not tariffs,” Metsola concluded.
