Trump Taxes Europe At 20%: France And The EU Organize To Counterattack

Donald Trump has triggered a new commercial earthquake in the night of April 2 to 3, 2025. By announcing an increase in tariffs of up to 20% on products from the European Union, the current head of the White House rekindles transatlantic tensions. But France and Europe do not intend to let this happen and are going on the offensive!

Transatlantic tensions: Trump targets Europe, the EU responds!

The unilateral decision to increase customs tariffs by Donald Trump on April 2, 2025, is described as a “blatant attack on free trade” by several European officials, and is causing a 50% increase in recession risk. They are calling for a quick and coordinated response while seeking a balance between firmness and strategic prudence. That is why, since Samarkand, Ursula von der Leyen has stated that the European Commission is finalizing a package of retaliatory measures targeting €26 billion of American products.

In Paris, Emmanuel Macron convened a crisis meeting on Thursday with the most exposed economic sectors. Prime Minister François Bayrou, highly critical, describes this American initiative as an “economic disaster” for both continents. Industry Minister Marc Ferracci goes further by urging Europe to “bite” and assert a real balance of power.

Dissonant voices within the European Union

But within the European Union, opinions differ. Germany advocates restraint. Chancellor Olaf Scholz warns that protectionist measures mainly harm those who impose them, destabilizing global supply chains. Spain, for its part, announces a national emergency plan of €14.1 billion to soften the economic shock.

Pedro Sánchez denounces a return to an outdated economic logic and invites Donald Trump to the negotiating table. More cautiously, Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, emphasizes the need to avoid reprisals that would penalize certain key sectors, such as agribusiness.

A response from Trump?

If Europe adopts retaliatory measures, Donald Trump could further harden his tone. True to his confrontational strategy, he would threaten to expand tariffs to other key sectors, such as automobiles or aerospace, while accusing the European Union of sabotaging the American economy and violating trade agreements.

It is clear that the European response is being shaped in urgency, between voluntarism and differences. One thing is certain: this new American tariff offensive is redrawing the balances of global trade. It could even mark a decisive turning point in transatlantic relations, pushing the European Union to strengthen its strategic autonomy. If a united front emerges, the response could prove historic.