EU Vows Retaliation as Trump Slaps 20% Tariffs on Europe — Ambassador Miguel Berger Says Bloc Ready to Defend Its Interests

In a rising storm of global trade tensions, the European Union has vowed to retaliate following US President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to impose a 20% tariff on EU nations, including key economic giants like Germany and France.

German Ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, while speaking to Sky News on Sunday, confirmed that Brussels is not backing down and is fully prepared to respond if necessary — though it hopes diplomacy will prevail.

“We are prepared to retaliate,” Berger stated firmly. “The EU is a market of 450 million people and the United States’ largest place of investment. We have a lot to bring to the table. We want to avoid this trade war.”

🌍 A Fragile Global System Under Threat

Trump’s move, widely seen as an attempt to dismantle the global trading system in favor of protectionist policies, has already sparked protests in multiple European cities, where demonstrators voiced anger at both Trump and his billionaire ally, Elon Musk.

The financial world was also rattled, with markets experiencing a turbulent week as investors grappled with the implications of renewed transatlantic friction.

💬 Opinion: Retaliation May Be Justified, But Diplomacy is Key

While the EU has every right to defend its economic interests, a full-blown trade war could hurt both sides and the global economy at large. The focus now must shift toward de-escalation and negotiation.

The European bloc has long stood as a champion of free trade and multilateralism. Its response, while firm, should maintain that principle — proving strength doesn’t always have to come from aggression.

🌐 As tensions rise across the Atlantic, the big question remains: will common sense prevail, or are we heading for another round of economic warfare?