European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued an emergency statement in response to US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on imports from around the world, including from the European Union. She called the move a major blow to the global economy and expressed deep regret at the American leader's choice. According to her, the new tariffs will have widespread consequences that will affect millions of people and will hit vulnerable states, already suffering from high trade barriers imposed by Washington, particularly hard. Von der Leyen stressed that such measures are contrary to the goals that the US and its partners were striving for.

In her address, the head of the European Commission focused on the inevitable increase in uncertainty, which will trigger increased protectionism around the world. She warned that consumers will feel the consequences almost immediately: the cost of goods will increase, and the costs of trade with the United States will increase sharply.

"There is no order in this chaos," “she noted, pointing out the lack of clear logic in the actions of the American administration.

Von der Leyen said tariffs would not only undermine economic ties but also threaten the livelihoods of millions of people, especially in developing countries for which access to the US market is critical.

The European Union, as the head of the European Commission assured, does not intend to stand aside. She reported that Brussels is already finalizing the first package of countermeasures, initially prepared in response to American tariffs on steel, and is now working on additional steps to protect its interests.

"We are ready to respond," "Von der Leyen stressed, adding that many Europeans feel betrayed by their long-standing ally.

Her words reflect growing tensions in transatlantic relations, already strained by trade disputes since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.

The context of the statement is linked to the latest actions of the United States. Trump imposed 10% tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico, which drew sharp criticism from trading partners. Now, according to Reuters, the new tariffs will also affect the EU, including key export categories such as cars, agricultural products and chemicals. The European Commission estimates that losses for European companies could amount to up to 200 billion euros a year if the measures come into full force. In response, Brussels has already announced possible tariffs on American whiskey, motorcycles and agricultural goods, which is reminiscent of the 2018 trade war, when the EU responded to tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The global reaction to Trump’s initiative was not long in coming. In early April 2025, according to The Guardian, the World Trade Organization (WTO) warned of the risk of a chain reaction, with countries introducing retaliatory measures that could lead to a 15% reduction in global trade by the end of the year. China, in turn, announced the preparation of counter-tariffs on American electronics and soybeans, and India is considering restrictions on imports of technology from the United States. These steps confirm von der Leyen’s prediction of growing protectionism, which is already beginning to shape a new economic reality.