Brussels Signals Tough Economic Retaliation Against Washington

As the United States imposes new tariffs, the European Union is preparing a strong response. France’s Trade Minister warns of a potentially “extremely aggressive” reaction and urges the use of all available tools.

Heading Toward a Trade War?

With trade tensions escalating under the Trump administration, the European Union is sharpening its countermeasures. On Monday, April 7, ahead of a meeting with his EU counterparts in Luxembourg, French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin issued a stark warning. “No option should be ruled out,” he stated, suggesting that the EU’s response could be “extremely aggressive.”

A Full Arsenal at the EU’s Disposal

The minister emphasized that the EU has powerful tools at its disposal to respond to American protectionism. Chief among them is the anti-coercion instrument, a legal mechanism that could allow the suspension of U.S. access to European public procurement markets and the blocking of certain strategic investments.

“The EU’s toolbox is comprehensive,” Saint-Martin stressed, adding that potential measures could target both goods and services. The goal, he said, is to defend Europe’s economic sovereignty and respond decisively to what Brussels views as an aggressive commercial provocation.

A Unified European Front?

While some member states advocate for a more cautious approach, the current climate appears to be solidifying EU unity. These recent tariff disputes echo past transatlantic trade clashes, but this time, the bloc seems determined to assert its stance and resist U.S. pressure.