European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on goods worldwide, including those from the European Union, calling it a significant setback for the global economy.
In a statement, von der Leyen expressed deep regret over the U.S. administration’s move, warning of its far-reaching consequences.
“This decision will have severe repercussions for millions of people across the world,” she stated. “The global economy will be substantially impacted, leading to heightened uncertainty and further protectionist measures. The effects will be immediate—food prices will rise, healthcare and transportation costs will increase, and inflation will surge.”
While acknowledging concerns about unfair trade practices, von der Leyen emphasized that tariffs were not a viable solution.
“I share President Trump’s concerns that the current global trade system has shortcomings and that some actors exploit its rules unfairly. I am prepared to work on reforming the system to reflect the realities of today’s economy. However, imposing tariffs will not address these issues effectively,” she concluded.
The European Commission is expected to evaluate potential responses to the U.S. tariffs as tensions over global trade policy escalate.
