Von der Leyen called the retaliatory measures against the US duties proportionate.

The European Commission's (EC) retaliatory measures against the US duties are "strong but proportionate." This was announced on March 12 by EC President Ursula Von der Leyen.

"The countermeasures we are taking today are strong, but proportionate, as the United States has imposed duties worth $28 billion," Von der Leyen said.

According to her, in response, the EC is taking measures in the amount of €26 billion, as this corresponds to the economic scale of the US duties. She added that the countermeasures will be introduced on April 1 and will fully take effect on April 13, 2025.

The EC President clarified that both sides have no interests in burdening their countries' economies with "such duties," so they will always be open to negotiations with the United States on this issue.

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On the same day, the European Commission announced retaliatory measures against the US duties, which will take effect in mid-April. It was noted that duties will be imposed on industrial products, which include steel, aluminum, household appliances and household tools. This will also affect agricultural products.

On February 26, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would impose customs duties of 25% on the European Union not only on cars, but also on "everything else." According to the president, the EU does not accept American cars, and also puts pressure on the States.