EU Trade Ministers Race Against Time to Avert Trump’s Tariff Bomb 💣
European Union trade ministers are scrambling to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threat: a 30% tariff on EU goods if no deal is reached by August 1. The move has thrown months of negotiations into chaos, with the bloc now preparing retaliatory measures while pushing for a last-minute agreement.
🚨 The Deadline Drama
Trump’s surprise Saturday announcement left EU officials reeling, with trade talks now in a high-stakes limbo. The EU has extended its suspension of countermeasures until early August, buying time for diplomacy. 'We prefer a negotiated solution,' said Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU Commission, emphasizing a dual strategy: 'keep talking, but prepare to act.'
🇫🇷🇩🇪 Europe’s United Front?
While France’s Emmanuel Macron urged 'resolute' defense of EU interests, Germany’s Friedrich Merz pledged 'intensive' talks with Washington. But cracks could emerge: some EU nations export far more to the U.S. than others, testing the bloc’s unity. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil warned of 'decisive countermeasures' to protect jobs if talks fail.
What’s Next? ⏳
With less than three weeks until D-Day, the EU is drafting a retaliation package to present to ministers. Will Trump’s gamble force concessions, or spark a transatlantic trade war? Stay tuned for updates as the clock ticks. 🔥
