Leaders of the European Union have declared that they will take retaliatory measures if the new tariff policy of U.S. President Donald Trump affects EU countries as well. This was reported by Financial Times.

Earlier, the Trump administration imposed new tariffs against China, Canada, and Mexico. The American president also stated that he would "absolutely" hit Europe with trade restrictions. However, Trump did not specify what measures Washington might take.

EU leaders have already responded to these threats.

"If we are attacked on trade issues, Europe, as a power that considers itself as such, will have to make itself respected and therefore respond," said French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to the French leader, Europe should promote domestic products to strengthen its trading positions.

Meanwhile, the European Commission, representing the trade bloc of 27 countries, has already prepared measures that could potentially be implemented if Trump imposes tariffs on European goods. The details of these measures are currently kept secret to avoid provoking the U.S. president, as stated in the report.

Two EU officials, who were informed about the preparation of a "counter-strike," revealed that serious planning is currently underway for unforeseen circumstances.

"We are ready to act if necessary," one of the sources stated.

In turn, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that "as a strong economic zone, we (the EU) can shape our own affairs and can also respond to tariff policies with tariff policies."

He noted that a trade war would have negative consequences for both the U.S. and Europe. At the same time, the chancellor attempted to downplay the impact of such developments, stating that Europe could renew efforts to reach more free trade agreements with other parts of the world.

Other EU leaders emphasized the need to continue engaging with Trump to prevent retaliatory measures from escalating into a trade war.

"We must negotiate with Trump... this is one of the most important issues today. I do not intend to start a war. I want to start negotiations," stressed Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg remarked that while the U.S. has a trade deficit with the EU in goods, the bloc has a "deficit in services" with the U.S. Therefore, he stated, the bloc should be able to "reach an agreement here as well."

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda also commented on the situation. He emphasized that Europe should have a "positive economic agenda" with the U.S. instead of "fighting each other" over trade issues. He suggests that Europe should buy more weapons and liquefied gas from the U.S.

"We need to offer something that could be interesting and attractive to the United States, such as free trade agreements in the automotive industry or purchasing more energy resources," he said.

Trump's Tariff Policy

Recently, new U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order imposing new tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China. Starting February 4, American importers will pay a new tax of 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on products from China. For the average American household, the new tariffs would mean a loss of about $1,200 in annual purchasing power, as calculated by the Budget Laboratory at Yale University.

However, on February 3, it was announced that the U.S. would suspend the imposition of tariffs on Mexican goods for a month. This was reported by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum following a conversation with Trump.

Trump has already hinted that his new tariff policy may also affect the EU. Danish Prime Minister Metter Frederiksen stated that the European Union would be forced to respond firmly if U.S. President Donald Trump fulfills his promise to impose tariffs.