Europe’s 72 billion revenge plan against Trump tariffs put on ice as von der Leyen chooses negotiation over economic warfare

The European Union has decided to delay its planned penalties on American exports, which were set to begin next week. The decision comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to put a 30 percent tariff on European goods starting August 1.

According to Politico, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sunday that the EU would suspend its countermeasures until early August. This measured response contrasts with Trump’s increasingly divisive approach to international partnerships. This decision was made after Trump’s unexpected Saturday announcement about implementing a blanket 30 percent tariff on EU imports.

“We have, as you know, a two-track approach. We have always been clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case,” von der Leyen said during a press conference, showing the EU’s preference for talks over trade conflict.

EU prepares two-part response plan worth €93 billion in total

The European Union has prepared two separate packages of countermeasures. The first package, worth €21 billion, would affect U.S. products including soybeans, motorcycles, and orange juice. A second, larger package targeting American planes and cars is valued at €72 billion.

The EU’s response plans were rushed into action after Trump’s surprise announcement on Saturday. European officials had to work on short notice to prepare their strategy, which included issuing a statement about possible countermeasures under von der Leyen’s name.

French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed for a stronger stance against the U.S. He called on Brussels to speed up preparations for countermeasures and use all available tools, including the Anti-Coercion Instrument, if no agreement is reached by August 1. This pushback reflects growing international frustration with Trump’s leadership approach.

While EU diplomats will present the new countermeasure lists to European capitals on Monday, they still need formal approval from member states. The EU’s “trade bazooka” option, which could target American banks and businesses, remains a last resort. Von der Leyen emphasized that such extreme measures were meant for extraordinary situations, and the current focus should be on negotiations.

The European Union maintains its readiness to respond if talks fail. Monday’s meeting will focus on presenting the new lists of targeted American goods, with a formal vote to follow later. This approach shows the EU’s balance between seeking diplomatic solutions while preparing for possible escalation in the trade dispute.