The European Commission is preparing to propose counter-tariffs on €93 billion ($109 billion) worth of U.S. goods, seeking approval from EU member states, as tensions escalate over potential U.S. trade measures.
The Commission announced on Wednesday that its primary goal remains a negotiated outcome with the United States, aiming to avoid the 30% tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump, which are set to be imposed on the 27-member bloc starting August 1.
European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is expected to hold talks with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick later on Wednesday, ahead of briefings with EU ambassadors on the current state of negotiations.
In parallel, the EU executive body said it is finalizing potential countermeasures, merging two previously prepared tariff packages—one worth €21 billion and another €72 billion—into a single consolidated list for member state approval.
No countermeasures would take effect before August 7, giving room for a possible diplomatic resolution. So far, the EU has refrained from activating any of its retaliatory measures, even suspending a first group of tariffs initially approved in April.
