Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on the European Union to remain united and stand firm against U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens on Wednesday, Merkel emphasized that the EU should not be intimidated by the tariff threats and should be prepared to retaliate if necessary.
“We must not allow ourselves to be bullied by these tariffs,” Merkel said. “In the end, it’s the American citizens who will pay more for goods, and that’s something President Trump will have to answer for.”
Merkel described Trump as an “attention seeker” who craves the spotlight, suggesting that his tariff policies are a tactic to draw focus to himself. “He wants to distract attention and have everyone look at him,” she remarked. “But ultimately, he has to deliver good results for the American people.”
The former chancellor warned that Trump’s actions could backfire if the increased tariffs lead to higher prices for American consumers. She urged the EU to remain steadfast and consider imposing its own tariffs in response. “We should not be intimidated,” Merkel asserted. “Instead, we must enter into negotiations and, if necessary, retaliate.”
President Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on EU goods if no progress is made in U.S.-EU trade talks by July 9. Currently, the U.S. levies a 50% tariff on EU steel and aluminum products, a 25% tariff on the automotive sector, and a 10% base tariff on most other goods.
Merkel’s comments highlight the increasing tensions between the U.S. and the EU over trade policies. Her call for unity comes at a critical time when the EU must decide how to respond to the escalating trade dispute.
