The European Union (EU) reiterated its willingness to negotiate on the 1st (local time), ahead of the United States' announcement of retaliatory tariffs, while warning that a "strong retaliation plan" is prepared.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is delivering a speech at the European Parliament plenary session held in Strasbourg, France, on the 1st (local time). Photo by Yonhap News
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said in a speech at the European Parliament plenary session held in Strasbourg, France, on the same day, "We have the power to negotiate and the power to retaliate." She added, "We are open to negotiations and will approach them by leveraging our strengths," and said, "Europe holds many cards necessary for negotiations, from technology sectors to market size."
Regarding the U.S. retaliatory tariffs scheduled for the 2nd, she said, "We will carefully evaluate the announced content and adjust our response," emphasizing, "We do not necessarily want retaliation, but we have a strong plan to retaliate if necessary."
President von der Leyen also anticipated that, separate from the already announced U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, tariffs on EU-produced semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and timber would also be imposed.
Earlier, the EU had announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods worth a total of 26 billion euros (41 trillion won) in two phases on the 1st and the 13th, but postponed all measures to mid-month to secure negotiation time. Once the U.S. retaliatory tariff plan is finalized, the scale of retaliatory tariffs and additional measures are expected to be confirmed.
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