EU Commission spokesperson: We are interested in returning to situation of stability and predictability regarding U.S. tariffs

EU Commission spokesperson: We are interested in returning to situation of stability and predictability regarding U.S. tariffs

EU Seeks Stability in Transatlantic Trade Amid U.S. Tariff Uncertainty

The European Commission has reiterated its commitment to restoring stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations following the U.S. Supreme Court's invalidation of President Donald Trump's global tariffs and the subsequent introduction of new levies. Deputy Chief Spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized that "businesses on both sides of the Atlantic depend on stability and predictability in the trading relationship," urging the U.S. administration to clarify its next steps.

The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling on February 19, 2026, struck down Trump's 15% tariffs on imports from nearly all trading partners, including the EU, citing overreach of presidential authority. In response, Trump announced a new 15% global tariff under temporary legal authority, reigniting concerns about the enforceability of existing trade agreements. The EU has stressed that "a deal is a deal," insisting that the 2025 EU-U.S. trade agreement—establishing a 15% tariff on most goods, with exemptions for sectors like aviation—must remain intact.

However, the legal ambiguity surrounding Trump's new tariffs has created uncertainty. The EU warned that the recent 15% rate, imposed atop existing "most-favored-nation" duties, could undermine the negotiated framework and disrupt supply chains. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has engaged with U.S. officials to seek clarity, but European leaders remain wary. The European Parliament's trade committee chairman, Bernd Lange, criticized the U.S. for "pure tariff chaos", calling for a comprehensive legal assessment before proceeding.

Analysts note that the EU and U.S., each other's largest trading partners, face significant risks if tariff policies remain volatile. The European Central Bank's Christine Lagarde highlighted that "uncertainty shakes the equilibrium of business relationships," potentially deterring investment. While U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has defended the tariffs as consistent with prior agreements, EU officials caution that without legal clarity, retaliatory measures or renegotiations could follow.

As the 150-day congressional approval period for Trump's new tariffs looms, the EU continues to advocate for "fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial" trade conditions, underscoring the urgency of resolving this transatlantic rift.