The European Union said it was ready to respond. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU is still ready to talk with the US, but is also considering"appropriate countermeasures".

"We will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of the European Union," she said."Tariffs of 30 percent on European exports would disrupt key transatlantic supply chains, which would harm companies, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic."

, while the European capitals immediately went into crisis mode in order to evaluate the next moves, Politiko writes, Index reports.

Five diplomats confirmed that the ambassadors of the member states will meet on Sunday at 15:30 for extraordinary consultations, the day before the meeting of trade ministers in Brussels.

The EU has been trying to negotiate a deal that would ensure a one-way basic tariff rate of 10 percent on European products exported to the US, with special exceptions for sectors such as the automotive industry, aerospace and alcoholic beverages.

What does Trump's letter say?

"Dear Madam President,

"It is a great honor for me to send you this letter because it shows the strength and commitment of our trade relationship, as well as the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue cooperation with the European Union, despite the fact that we have one of the largest trade deficits with you. Nevertheless, we have decided to move forward, but only under the conditions of  balanced and fair TRADE.

"So we invite you to participate in the extraordinary economy of the United States, the number one market in the world, far ahead of everyone else. We have discussed our trade relationship with the European Union for years and we have concluded that we must move away from those long-term, large and persistent trade deficits, caused by your tariffs and non-tariff policies and trade barriers.

"Our relationship, unfortunately, is far from reciprocity. Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge the European Union a tariff of only 30% on EU products sent to the United States, independent of any sectoral tariffs. Goods that are tried to be exported to avoid a higher tariff will be subject to that higher tariff. Note that 30% is significantly less than what is needed to close the gap in our trade deficit with the EU.

"If you give back, there will be more"

"As you know, there will be no tariffs if the European Union or companies within the EU decide to build or manufacture goods within the United States, and we will do everything possible to approve those projects quickly, professionally and routinely – in other words, within weeks. The European Union will have full, open access to the United States market, without the tariffs that you currently use to try to maintain a huge trade surplus.

"If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs and retaliate, then the amount you raise will be added to the 30% we charge. Please note that these tariffs are necessary to correct years of inequality caused by European tariffs and non-tariff policies and trade barriers, which create large and unsustainable trade deficits against the United States.

"That deficit seriously harms our economy and, indeed, our national security!

"We look forward to working with you as our trading partner for many years. If you wish to open your hitherto closed markets to trade with the United States and to abolish your tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers, then we may consider adjusting the tariffs in this letter. Those tariffs may change, increase or decrease, depending on our relationship with your country. The United States will never disappoint you. Thank you for your attention to this matter! With regards and best wishes,