European Union (EU) institutions and European political groups concur that the EU must respond collectively to unjustified United States (U.S.) trade measures, yet they differ on the method, as revealed during Tuesday’s European Parliament debate.
Representatives from right-wing parliamentary groups view deregulation, the repeal of Green Deal regulations, and, in the case of the far-right, reduced EU institutional interference in national policies and economies as solutions to the new circumstances caused by the Trump administration’s policies and a path to strengthening European economic competitiveness.
Lawmakers from the center to the far left, including the Greens, believe the conflict with Washington is not merely about trade but also ideological in nature – defending not only economic interests but also fundamental European values and principles.
The debate was initiated by representatives from the EU Council and the European Commission, Polish Minister Adam Szlapka,and European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who informed lawmakers about the steps EU institutions are taking in response to U.S. tariffs.
At the beginning of April, the European Commission decided to pause countermeasures for 90 days after U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily halted the application of reciprocal tariffs, also for 90 days.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated at the time that the EU “wants to give negotiations a chance,” but that Brussels’ countermeasures will come into effect if the talks do not yield satisfactory results.
As confirmed in Strasbourg by Sefcovic, “all options remain on the table.”
He emphasized that the EU is ready to discuss mutually beneficial solutions but is also determined to respond if negotiations fail.
One of the EU’s responses is strengthening trade relations with other global partners, a move supported during the debate by several lawmakers from various political groups.
Szlapka, on behalf of the EU Council, supported the Commission’s steps and emphasized that “if necessary, we will defend our legitimate interests and rights in a unified and measured manner,” considering all possible countermeasures.
Jorgen Warborn from the European People’s Party described the Commission’s decision not to immediately retaliate with tariffs as “wise,” but added: “Inaction must not be our policy.”
“In these 90 days, we must prepare a strong, proportional, and unified response,” he said, calling for strengthening the single market, new trade agreements, and action within the World Trade Organization.
The conflict with Trump is not just about trade
Social Democrat Iratxe Garcia Perez stated that Trump’s vision of society and international relations is a threat not only to trade but also to the core values of the EU.
“The rule of law is not up for negotiation, European laws are not up for negotiation. We cannot agree to blackmail that demands we change our laws,” she emphasized, adding that we cannot yield to the whims of “a billionaire demagogue who despises the values of the European project.”
She also reminded that, although exports to the U.S. are significant, 80% of EU exports go to other countries, and that ties with partners around the world should be strengthened.
Liberal Valerie Hayer agreed with her, saying that the conflict with the U.S. “is not just a trade issue, but a political challenge and a clash of two models – U.S. protectionism and harshness on one side, and the European model of freedom, rule of law, and democracy on the other.”
“Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement is an attack on everything Europe has built since World War II,” she said, calling for Europe to oppose “Trumpism,” including its European versions that advocate for closed borders and protectionism.
“The EU has all the instruments – it is not weak,” Hayer asserted.
Bas Eickhout from the Greens called on the EU to take a firm stance: “Europe must stop behaving like a market and start acting like a power.”
“Trump is playing a stupid but dangerous game. If negotiations fail, the EU must show strength and respond decisively. We must not back down before a bully.”
Martin Schirdewan from The Left opposed yielding to the U.S. and called for strengthening relations with other trading partners.
On the other hand, Jordan Bardella from the right-wing group “Patriots for Europe” called on the EU to protect its interests with protectionist measures.
Time for a policy change, says the right
“Europe cannot be the only power that respects the rules of decency that no one else adheres to anymore,” said Bardella, adding that public procurement should favor national and European bidders, especially in the defense sector.
He also called for the repeal of Green Deal regulations and a turn towards nuclear energy.
Nicola Procaccini from the European Conservatives and Reformists called for a real free trade agreement with the U.S. without tariffs, criticizing the EU for what he described as disproportionate tariffs on U.S. products like cars.
Rene Aust from the far-right group “Europe of Sovereign Nations” and an AfD lawmaker stated that “Europe must speak with one voice to preserve trade sovereignty, but the prerequisite for that is the end of divisions caused by the Brussels establishment.”
He called on Brussels to recognize the results of elections in Romania, not interfere in the internal affairs of member states, and stop discriminating against the AfD.
The party’s motto is, as he said: “Germany first – but not alone.”
Croatian lawmakers Zeljana Zovko (HDZ) and Tonino Picula (SDP) also participated in the debate.
“The EU is heavily dependent on U.S. partners, but we must take matters into our own hands, simplify regulations, and work on attracting investments,” said Zovko, adding that the outcome of negotiations should benefit both sides. She also emphasized that a change in U.S. leadership should not mean a change in transatlantic relations.
Picula stated that the EU must be ready to respond to Trump’s tariffs: “If we yield, we can de-escalate while respecting our trade and digital services laws.”
“While the policy on the other side of the Atlantic is currently arbitrary and transactional, the EU must be a factor of global stability and lead a policy that is clear and based on facts. This is an opportunity for the EU to take political responsibility, attract experts who share our values, and assume a global role because it has democratic strength and economic capacity,” Picula concluded.
