The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has reiterated to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, that Brussels remains willing to negotiate a fair trade agreement in response to the announcement made by the American president, in which he threatens to impose tariffs of 30% on EU imports from August 1, although he reserves the right to adopt retaliatory measures"if he deems it necessary."

Von der Leyen, after"taking note" of Trump's letter, warns that the imposition of this tax"would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers, and patients on both sides of the Atlantic."

The President of the European Commission has indicated that "few economies in the world match the European Union's level of openness and commitment to fair trade practices," which "has consistently prioritized a negotiated solution with the US," reflecting "a commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership."

Von der Leyen already warned last Wednesday in the European Parliament that she was prepared "for all scenarios." The Commission has been very insistent in trying to reach an agreement. Brussels always emphasizes that a tariff escalation is the worst solution. And to avoid it, it has even suspended its tariffs, while Trump was already activating the ones he applied to European steel, aluminum, and vehicles as soon as he took office.

The EU designed a response to a volume of €21 billion in US products, but froze this response for 90 days to try to find a solution. If the suspension is not extended, this first package of measures would go into effect in the early hours of Monday to Tuesday.

Added to this is another package of measures worth €100 billion. Brussels maintains it can mobilize this action quickly and has always stated that it will seek to hit"where it hurts most." That is, in the Republican states that have most supported Trump.

Von der Leyen insists that Brussels remains willing"to continue working to reach an agreement before August 1" but warns that it will also "take all necessary measures to safeguard" its interests,"including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if necessary," reports the Europa Press agency.

"Meanwhile, we continue to deepen our global partnerships, firmly rooted in the principles of rules-based international trade," Von der Leyen concluded.

Spain's response

Spanish President Pedro Sánchez also reacted this Saturday to Donald Trump's tariff announcement and reiterated his support for the European Commission in the face of the trade war:"We support and will continue to support the Commission in its negotiations to reach an agreement with the US before August 1," Sánchez said.

For Sánchez,"united, we Europeans constitute the largest trading bloc in the world. Let's use that strength to reach a fair agreement."