Brussels: The EU trade and economic security commissioner warned on Monday that "uncertainty" caused by US tariffs cannot persist, signaling "proportioned countermeasures" against Washington.

According to Anadolu Agency, Maros Sefcovic, the EU trade and economic security commissioner, emphasized the need for well-considered proportionate countermeasures to restore balance in the transatlantic relationship. He made this statement to reporters during a doorstep address ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council on trade. Sefcovic reaffirmed that the EU has always engaged in tariff discussions with the US in "good faith" and criticized the proposed 30% tariff rate as being "effectively prohibitive" to mutual trade.

Sefcovic expressed confidence in a negotiated solution that would ensure renewed stability and cooperation between the US and the EU, highlighting ongoing engagement with the US administration. He stressed the importance of reaching a resolution by the new deadline of August 1, stating that a negotiated outcome is preferable to potential tensions following this date.

The backdrop to these developments is US President Donald Trump's announcement on Saturday, declaring a 30% tariff on imports from the EU and Mexico starting August 1. This decision has put the US-EU trade talks in jeopardy, as the EU aimed to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement this month. Trump shared letters on Truth Social addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, confirming the tariffs on goods bound for the US from Europe and Mexico.

In response, von der Leyen expressed willingness to work toward an agreement with the US by the August 1 deadline and committed to taking necessary measures to protect EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures.