In response to such threats as increasing customs duties on European cars, the European Union is ready to defend its interests in confrontation with the USA, said European Commission spokesman Toma Rénier.
"We advocate for transatlantic relations to be predictable and mutually beneficial. But we clearly state that if the United States takes actions that contradict our joint statement, we will not hesitate to resort to other options to protect the interests of the European Union," he said.
When asked why such a trade agreement with the USA is needed if there are constant threats from across the ocean to violate it, he replied that "this is not the first time we have been threatened, and it is not the first time we are telling you that we remain calm."
In response to a question about Brussels' repeated assertions that the EU is keeping all options ready in response to the USA, and a request to explain what those options are, Rénier said he avoids details to not "get into speculative threats that are not specified."
The joint statement of the USA and the EU is a political framework agreement on trade, concluded in August 2025. It was expected to create a basis for reducing trade tensions and stabilizing transatlantic economic relations.
This document is indeed a joint statement, not a full legally binding treaty. It describes mutual intentions and concessions, but many key details require further negotiations.
US President Donald Trump stated on May 1 that the size of American tariffs on passenger cars and trucks from the European Union will henceforth be 25%. "Next week I will increase the tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union. The tariffs will rise to 25%," Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social.
