European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's implementation of universal tariffs, stating that it would have a significant negative impact on the global economy. She mentioned that the European Union was ready to retaliate with countermeasures in case negotiations did not lead to a resolution.

Von der Leyen revealed that the EU was finalizing the initial set of countermeasures in response to the tariffs on steel and was preparing additional measures to safeguard the interests and businesses of the EU if talks were unsuccessful.

Trump had recently introduced a 10% minimum tariff on most imports to the U.S., with a higher 20% rate specifically targeting goods from the European Union. These actions were intensifying a worldwide trade conflict that could potentially increase inflation levels and hinder economic growth in the U.S. and across the globe.