“If these tariffs are confirmed, the Europeans will respond,” Macron said during a visit to Portugal on Friday. “We must protect and defend ourselves.”
Speaking at a press conference in Porto, he emphasized the need for diplomacy but made clear that Europe would not back down: “If, at the beginning of April, these tariffs on European products take effect, we will have to respond. We cannot appear weak in the face of such measures.”
Macron urged the administration of President Donald Trump to reconsider, warning that the move would harm shared geopolitical interests.
“Over the next few weeks, we must convince them that this is not a good decision—for the US or Europe. But if it comes to that, we will react and take responsibility for it.”
The EU had already condemned the proposed tariffs when they were announced two and a half weeks ago. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed decisive and proportionate countermeasures, stating that unlawful tariffs against the EU would not go unanswered.
“The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers,” she said.
Trump said this week “the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States” and that he would put an end to it.
GNA