The European Union confirmed on Monday that it will proceed with its first set of countermeasures against tariffs imposed by the United States, with the measures scheduled to take effect on April 15. European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic announced that a vote on the initial package will take place on April 9, followed by a second phase set for May 15.

Sefcovic emphasized that the EU’s response “cannot be delayed,” noting a strong show of unity from trade ministers across all member states during a key meeting. The commissioner highlighted that US tariffs currently impact approximately 70% of EU exports, amounting to €380 billion.

Despite the scale of the tariffs, Sefcovic made it clear that the EU is not seeking to implement a tit-for-tat, “dollar for dollar” strategy. Instead, the Commission will engage with stakeholders and member states to determine the most effective approach. “All options remain on the table,” he stated, underscoring the EU’s commitment to protecting its economic interests.

Sefcovic also addressed US criticism of the European Union’s value-added tax (VAT), which the Trump administration considers a non-tariff barrier to American exports. He firmly rejected any changes to the VAT structure, signaling that the EU does not intend to alter its internal tax policies in response to external pressure.

This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between the EU and the US. As the April 15 implementation date approaches, both sides are preparing for the potential economic and diplomatic fallout. The EU’s phased strategy and emphasis on unity aim to bolster its position in what could become a prolonged trade conflict.