UK and EU Leaders Pledge to Confront New Economic Era After Trump Tariffs

A new economic era for the global economy emerged according to European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as well as caretaker German Chancellor Olaf Scholz alongside Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

A statement issued from 10 Downing Street disclosed how Starmer met with international leaders Ursula Von der Leyen and Olaf Scholz to discuss Donald Trump's recently implemented "reciprocal tariffs."

Collaborate Closely to Ensure Broader Economic Stability

The statement stated that all leaders addressed the US's additional tariffs and agreed that it marks a new era for the global economy, defense, and security. It further emphasized: "Europe must rise to the occasion and minimize the impact on hard-working people, while collaborating with other nations to help maintain broader economic stability."

Regarding the UK, Keir Starmer expressed disappointment but affirmed that the country would "continue to act in its national interest" to strengthen its economy and global trade ties by "staying calm and preparing for all possible outcomes."

Collective Concern Over the Effects of US Tariffs

Meanwhile, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), von der Leyen wrote: “Just spoke with @Keir_Starmer and expressed my concerns about the impact of US tariffs on the global economy. We also discussed security, defense, and the upcoming EU-UK Summit.”

France and Germany Advocate for Strong Response to US Tariffs

While Scholz condemned Donald Trump's tariffs as "fundamentally wrong" in a statement, Merz, the incoming leader, has yet to make a public comment.

Bloomberg reported that officials in France and Germany are advocating for a stronger response to Trump's tariff war in order to strengthen the EU's negotiating stance.