Europe: Joint political and diplomatic response

EU countries and EU institutions are working on a large-scale economic response:

• A tariff package worth up to 93 billion euros against the United States, which had been prepared since last year but suspended to avoid escalation, is being considered for revival.
• Also under discussion is the possible use of the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), which would allow restricting the access of U.S. companies to the European market, including services and certain investments. France is one of the countries pushing hardest for a firm response through this instrument.
• The European Parliament has decided to delay a vote that would have reduced tariffs on U.S. products, as a political gesture of pressure.

However, a majority of Member States are in favor of prioritizing dialogue, especially in view of the contacts planned in Davos. The declared objective is to gain time until February 1.

The President of the European Council has convened an extraordinary face-to-face summit this week, most likely on Thursday, to address the crisis with the United States.

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U.S. position

Trump Administration: tough and uncompromising stance

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that Europe will eventually give in. The U.S. trade area has warned Europe not to retaliate, suggesting that if the EU turns the issue into a trade dispute, it will bear the consequences.

Internal opposition: attempt to curb tariffs

The Democratic Party in the Senate has announced that it will attempt to legislatively block the imposition of these new tariffs. They believe the measure hurts U.S. consumers and businesses and unnecessarily aggravates tensions with allies.