Last EU, ready to negotiate with the US on customs tariffs. Ursula von der Leyen announces the proposal of the community block

The European Union is prepared to negotiate with the United States in terms of commercial tariffs, but also prepares measures to defend its own interests, said Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, quoted by The Guardian.

“Europe is always ready for a good understanding. So we keep the offer on the table,” said the head of the European Commission during a common statement with the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, visiting Brussels.

Von Der Leyen reminded that the EU proposed a “zero to zero” type agreement for the rates applied to industrial goods: “I offered zero for zero. Because Europe wants a good understanding.”

“I proposed zero customs duties for industrial products,” she said.

At the same time, Brussels also takes into account measures to retrival, said the president: “We are ready to respond with countermeasures and defend our interests.”

Von Der Leyen also warned the indirect effects of deviating trade and said that the EU should protect. The President of the European Commission had consultations with industrial actors from all over the Union on Monday and says that it is necessary to strengthen the internal market: “We have to eliminate the barriers that still exist in the single market. It is an important step in the face of these disturbances.”

The statements were made before the press conference that is expected following the EU Trade Ministers Meeting.

The European Commission has prepared a list of American products that could be subject to additional taxes, including meat, cereals, wine and wood products, avoiding the generalized application of “mutual” tariffs.