Brussels – US tariffs — what now? The European Union is asking tough questions, growing increasingly uneasy, and bracing for the worst. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling striking down the tariffs unilaterally imposed by President Donald Trump opens up an entirely new set of scenarios — made even murkier by Trump’s fresh threats of additional tariffs. Brussels is working on several fronts, primarily the diplomatic one: the EU’s approach remains unchanged, and an amicable solution is still the preferred option.
Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic spent the weekend in direct talks with the US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and the US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, to find a solution to a situation that has become even more complicated and needs to be clarified. However, then, the European Commission issued a strongly worded statement, expressing irritation and warning of a trade dispute.
“A deal is a deal,” thundered the EU executive. “As the United States’ largest trading partner, the EU expects the US to honour its commitments set out in the Joint Statement – just as the EU stands by its commitments.” In particular, Brussels makes it clear that “EU products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed.” Hence, the threat to the Trump administration: “EU companies and exporters must have fair treatment” and from this point of view, “the Commission will always ensure that the interests of the European Union are fully protected.”
This is the passage where it is stated that the EU is ready for a real showdown, involving retaliatory measures. The EU has a list of ‘made in the USA’ products ready to be hit with counter-tariffs worth up to 93 billion euros. These counter-tariffs were drawn up in July, when it seemed an agreement was no longer achievable, and were frozen once the 15 per cent regime was reached. The Commission hints it could ‘reawaken’ the list. Then, if things take a turn for the worse, there is also the option of the anti-coercion instrument, which allows the EU to impose export restrictions, duties on services, or the exclusion of foreign companies from public procurement. US technology companies could be among those most affected.
Clarity and legal certainty are needed before any further steps are taken.
At our extra meeting tomorrow, I will therefore propose to the EP-negotiating team putting legislative work on hold until we have a proper legal assessment and clear commitments from the US side. (3/3)— Bernd Lange (@berndlange) February 22, 2026
There was also an outcry in the European Parliament, where the chairman of the International Trade Committee, German Social Democrat Bernd Lange, announced his intention to put the agreement on tariffs with the United States on hold until the United States’ real intentions become clear. “Pure customs chaos on the part of the US government,” he criticised on X. “Nobody can make sense of it anymore – only open questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other US trading partners.”
Lange convened an extraordinary committee meeting for today and tomorrow (February 23 and 24) to discuss the implications of the US Supreme Court ruling, but in light of Trump’s statements on new tariffs, he chose to use the meeting to postpone the vote on the implementing measures of the July EU-US agreement.
The United States Trade Representative, Greer, interviewed by CBS, argues that the White House plans to “stand by” the trade agreements signed with its partners, and that therefore the agreement for 15 per cent tariffs with the EU will not be called into question, but apparently, there is a lack of trust. The EU is waiting and, in the meantime, is working on all scenarios.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
