By Matt Underwood EU’s von der Leyen warns of countermeasures if U.S. 30% tariffs go ahead. Okay, so here’s the situation, right? Ursula von der Leyen, who leads the EU, is making it crystal clear: if the U.S. slaps on those proposed 30% tariffs, Europe is going to hit back. No ifs, ands, or buts. It’s a pretty straightforward message, a signal that the EU isn’t going to just sit idly by. This isn’t a bluff; it’s a pre-emptive strike in the ongoing trade war saga.
The sentiment is overwhelmingly that the EU needs to be decisive. The phrase “just fucking do it” encapsulates a lot of the frustration. There’s a strong feeling that the EU has been too hesitant, too willing to negotiate, and that this weakness is being exploited. The general consensus seems to be that the time for warnings is over; it’s time for action. Many feel the U.S., or at least the current administration, understands only strength.
Now, what kind of countermeasures are we talking about? Well, the suggestions are varied and targeted. A common theme is targeting U.S. tech and digital services. Think taxes on internet companies, tariffs on digital services, and maybe even complete bans on some American tech giants. Another idea is to halt defense and weapons deals. The idea is to hit the U.S. where it will hurt, and the general belief is that American tech companies and, by extension, consumers, are particularly vulnerable.
The reaction, on the whole, is one of deep mistrust of the former President Trump. Many see him as someone who isn’t capable of good-faith negotiations. The accusation is that he is only interested in himself, and he will say or do anything that benefits him. The implication is that he doesn’t understand basic economic principles like the impact of tariffs, which suggests a fundamental lack of concern for his own people.
The discussion veers into the potential for political gamesmanship. There’s a suggestion that the U.S. might be releasing market-moving information on the weekend to manipulate markets. The idea is he’s aware of the damage he can do, so he deliberately stirs things up when the markets are closed and the news cycle is less active.
What’s being emphasized is that this isn’t just about trade; it’s also about a broader sense of trust and reliability. The EU is seen as being very capable at negotiating, but it will be tough. The frustration is that Trump is predictable in his strategies.
The focus here is not only on the EU but also on the American consumer. There’s a belief that one of the most effective countermeasures is a boycott of American products and travel. The idea is to inflict economic pain directly on the U.S. and put pressure on the administration. It is viewed by some as a way for the EU to level the playing field.
Concerns about the future are also emerging. There is anxiety about how this trade war will play out and where the current trade deal negotiations are at. People wonder how likely this all is to happen and whether the letter means he’s still negotiating the deal. The situation is seen as unstable and unpredictable.
The other concern is that Trump is an asset to Putin. The reasoning is, that by weakening the relationship with the EU, Trump would be weakening the “West” and playing into the hand of Russia. The American empire collapsing is something some people see as a good thing.
The advice is to create some counter-measures and implement them now, and not to wait. Digital services, especially, are identified as a key target. The hope is that this will be a permanent change, no matter which party leads the U.S., because Trump is a byproduct of the U.S. socioeconomic situation. The message is clear: the EU needs to be bold, decisive, and willing to defend its interests.