Kathmandu: The European Union (EU) and its member states have strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 50 percent tariff on EU goods, expressing deep concern over the potential damage to transatlantic trade relations.

On Friday, President Trump announced via social media that the EU was exploiting the U.S. in trade, and recommended a 50% tariff, scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2025, if the bloc does not comply with U.S. demands. He accused the EU of offering American businesses an uneven playing field and warned that drastic steps were needed to protect U.S. interests.

In response, EU leaders condemned the move, warning it would significantly strain one of the world’s largest trading partnerships. Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, stated that while the bloc was open to negotiation, it was also "fully prepared to protect its interests." He emphasized that trade must be built on "mutual respect, not threats and pressure."

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, announced plans to visit Washington soon to clarify the EU's position. “If President Trump wants cooperation, Europe is ready,” Lange said. “But if he expects unilateral concessions, that is not the right path.”

Reactions were swift from national leaders as well. Irish Prime Minister Michel Martin called the proposal "deeply disappointing," warning that it could destabilize global markets and severely damage economic ties. French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin echoed that sentiment, saying the EU would avoid escalating tensions but would respond with countermeasures if required.

German Economy and Energy Minister Katharina Reich labeled the potential tariff war as mutually destructive, arguing that "a trade dispute would hurt both the U.S. and Europe equally."

Trade talks between the two sides have reached an impasse, with the U.S. pressing for greater access to European markets and the EU advocating for a mutually beneficial agreement. EU officials warned that Trump's confrontational approach risks derailing any possibility of progress.

As tensions escalate, both sides now face growing pressure to return to the negotiating table and prevent a full-blown trade war.