Brussels, 2 February 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The European Commission has warned US President Donald Trump about the potential consequences of trade wars following his recent tariff decisions.

"The European Union regrets the US decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China," an EU spokesman in Brussels told dpa on Sunday.

"Open markets and respect for international trade rules are essential for strong and sustainable economic growth," he said.

"Tariffs create unnecessary economic disruption and drive inflation. They are hurtful to all sides."

Regarding potential tariff decisions by Trump against the European Union, "the EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods."

"Our trade and investment relationship with the US is the biggest in the world. There is a lot at stake," the spokesman stressed.

From the EU's perspective, both sides should work on strengthening the existing relationships. The spokesman highlighted that currently, no additional US tariffs on EU products are known.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had expressed similar sentiments in January. She pointed out at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos that there are no other economies in the world as closely intertwined as those of the EU and the United States.

European companies employ 3.5 million people in the US, and 1 million more US jobs directly depend on trade with Europe, von der Leyen said.