Zagreb, 27 February 2025 (Hina/MIA) — Following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that his administration will soon impose 25% customs tariffs on EU imports, the European Commission has said it would respond decisively and promptly against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade.

The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified obstacles to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge lawful and non-discriminatory policies, a Commission spokesperson said in response to Trump’s remarks.

He emphasized that the EU would always protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariffs.

When asked during a US government session whether he had decided on the tariff rate for goods from the European Union, Trump confirmed that a decision had been made and would be announced very soon, specifying that it would be 25%, applying broadly to cars and other products.

He also claimed that the EU had been established to cheat the US.

In response, the Commission spokesperson highlighted that the European Union was the world’s largest free market and has been beneficial for the United States.

He stressed that by creating a large and integrated single market, "the EU has facilitated trade, reduced costs for US exporters, and aligned standards and regulations across 27 countries."

As a result, American investments in Europe are highly profitable, the spokesperson added.

According to the EC spokesperson, Europe stands for dialogue, openness, and reciprocity.

"We are ready for partnership if you play by the rules. But we will also defend our consumers and businesses at every step. They expect nothing less from us," he concluded.