BRUSSELS, Belgium — Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen condemned the Trump administration’s threat to impose 30 percent tariffs on European Union (EU) exports as “absolutely unacceptable” during a joint press conference with EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Rasmussen said the bloc views the threat as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified” and is prepared to respond if talks with Washington fail to produce a viable outcome.
“We are committed to continuing working with the United States on a negotiated outcome,” he said. However, the agreement must be “mutually acceptable” to both sides.
He said the EU will respond with robust and proportionate countermeasures if necessary.
Sefcovic noted that the 27-country bloc is preparing potential countermeasures worth 72 billion euros (US$84 billion).
“We must be prepared for all outcomes, including, if necessary, well-considered proportionate measures to restore balance in our transatlantic relationship,” he said.
Sefcovic said he believes “there is still a potential to continue the negotiations” but stressed that any deal must have the backing of all EU member states and the European Parliament. / XINHUA