Trump and EU clash: Tusk and Brussels respond to accusations

President Donald Trump accuses the European Union of “ripping off” the United States, while Donald Tusk and the European Commission defend the EU’s role in trade and transatlantic relations

Polish Prime Minister and current president of the European Union, Donald Tusk, has responded harshly to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had said that the European Union “was created to screw over the United States.” Tusk clarified the EU’s position, stressing that the Union “was not created to screw anyone over,” but rather to maintain peace, build respect among nations, and promote free and fair trade. “It was created to strengthen our transatlantic friendship,” he wrote in X.

Trump’s statements came during a speech in which the U.S. president confirmed his intention to impose 25 percent tariffs on EU imports, accusing the European bloc of “taking advantage of the United States.” Trump complained that the EU does not accept “our cars” and that the U.S. gets nothing in return.

At a press briefing in Brussels, European Trade Commission spokesman Olof Gill defended the EU’s position, pointing out that it has been a “boon for the United States of America” since its founding. By creating a single, integrated market, the EU has facilitated trade and reduced costs for exporters by harmonizing standards and regulations across the continent, Gill added.

“As a result, U.S. investment in Europe has been extremely profitable,” Gill continued, explaining that transatlantic trade between the EU and the U.S. now reaches more than 1.5 billion euros annually, making this the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship in the world.

The European Union, the spokesman continued, prefers to work with the United States to preserve these opportunities rather than adopt confrontational attitudes. “We are ready to cooperate, as long as the rules are respected,” he said, reiterating the EU’s willingness to protect its citizens and businesses.

On the Trump-threatened tariffs front, Olof Gill confirmed that there are ongoing negotiations between the EU and the United States, with Commissioner Maros Sefcovic recently engaged in meetings in Washington. “Details on potential 25 percent tariffs on cars and other products are still missing,” Gill said, adding that the EU is ready to respond in case of new punitive measures by the US.

French Finance Minister Eric Lombard also echoed this position, saying the EU would be ready to respond with equivalent duties if necessary. “If the Americans increase tariffs, we will do the same,” Lombard said on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Cape Town. While acknowledging that a trade war would not be in the general interest, Lombard stressed the need to protect the interests of the Union and its member states.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)