PM Fiala: US tariffs threaten EU trade

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Saturday that US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 30 percent tariff on European Union goods would negatively impact transatlantic trade. He stressed the importance of continuing negotiations to avoid escalating economic tensions.

Fiala pointed out that Czechia, along with other EU members, supports ongoing diplomatic efforts. He emphasized the need for EU unity and a firm approach to protect economic interests and ensure fair treatment for European businesses.

The tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, according to a letter Trump posted on his Truth Social platform addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen said the EU remains open to dialogue until the deadline but did not rule out retaliatory actions. Meanwhile, three anonymous EU officials told Reuters they see the tariff announcement as a negotiating tactic rather than a final decision.