EU Commissioner Dombrovskis: No Abandonment of US Trade Relations Amid Tensions

European Commissioner for Economy, Valdis Dombrovskis, stated today (April 23, 2025) that the EU will not abandon its trade cooperation with the US, despite plans to establish new partnerships amid the trade war initiated by Donald Trump. ‘The European Union is not abandoning its closest, deepest, and most significant cooperation, which it has with the US,’ Dombrovskis declared during the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Washington. This economic and trade relationship is valued at $9.5 trillion, he emphasized. Since his return to power, Trump has imposed 10% tariffs on most countries worldwide, including the EU, which he also threatened with harsher measures if retaliatory actions were taken. The US President further introduced additional 25% tariffs on certain sectors like steel, aluminum, and imported cars. However, Dombrovskis insisted that Washington and Brussels need each other even more in an increasingly conflict-ridden and competitive world. While the Union aims to deepen existing partnerships, it will also create new ones globally to enhance its internal economic security. The EU’s first preference remains reaching a negotiated solution with the US for trade issues, but if talks fail, the EU will respond with countermeasures. Brussels hopes to lift American tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars through agreements. EU officials have avoided harsh rhetoric against Trump’s trade policies and stress the importance of reliable and predictable trade relations. On April 10, Brussels implemented initial countermeasures against Trump’s tariffs, which were suspended for 90 days, but EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized all options remain on the table regarding countermeasures. Dombrovskis mentioned the EU’s willingness to purchase more American liquefied natural gas (LNG) and reduce tariffs on certain goods while welcoming greater clarity from the US government about its objectives. The bloc remains a trustworthy and predictable trade partner, having already concluded trade agreements with 76 countries, completed recent negotiations with Mexico, Switzerland, and four South American Mercosur nations, and continues discussions with India, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the UAE. These trade agreements aim to create win-win collaborations based on rules. Regarding security and defense, Dombrovskis agreed with Trump’s assertion that Europe must take responsibility for its security. The EU should bear its fair share of the burden alongside NATO allies, particularly the US. Additionally, the EU is committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression until a just and lasting peace is achieved. Acknowledging that Europe lags behind the US and China in some advanced technologies, Dombrovskis vowed to close this gap as a strategic priority. In turbulent times, predictability, the rule of law, and adherence to a rules-based international order are Europe’s greatest advantages. ‘We are committed to doing whatever it takes to defend our liberal democracies because what may seem burdensome brings certainty and a safe haven when the rules-based order is challenged elsewhere,’ Dombrovskis concluded.