- 'Economic openness and trade create prosperity. Unjustified tariffs destroy it,' says Spanish prime minister

- Italy’s government reiterates it is 'essential' to remain focused on negotiations while avoiding 'polarization' that would make it more difficult to reach agreement

ISTANBUL 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday voiced readiness to work toward an agreement with the US by Aug. 1, after US President Donald Trump announced 30% tariffs on the bloc starting next month.

"We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required," von der Leyen said in a written statement.

Emphasizing that Europe has "consistently" pursued a "negotiated" solution with the US and reaffirming its "commitment" to dialogue, stability, and a "constructive" transatlantic partnership, she said that "few" economies worldwide can "match" the bloc’s degree of "openness and adherence to fair trading practices."

"Imposing 30 percent tariffs on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic," von der Leyen warned.

She added that they continue to "deepen" their global partnerships, "firmly anchored" in the principles of "rules-based international trade."

"The EU remains firm, united and ready to protect our interests, in full support of President von der Leyen and the Commission’s efforts to reach a fair agreement with the US," European Council President Antonio Costa also wrote on X.

He said that tariffs "fuel "inflation, create "uncertainty" and "hinder" economic growth, reassuring that they will continue to build "strong" trade partnerships worldwide.

"Economic openness and trade create prosperity. Unjustified tariffs destroy it," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also said on X, voicing support for negotiations to reach an agreement with the US.

Italy’s government, in a written statement, reiterated that it is "essential" to remain focused on the negotiations while avoiding "polarization" that would make it more difficult to reach an agreement.

"We trust in the goodwill of all parties involved to reach a fair agreement that will strengthen the West as a whole, given that—particularly in the current scenario—it would make no sense to trigger a trade war between the two sides of the Atlantic," the statement wrote.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson voiced "regret" over the US decision and "support" for a negotiated solution while calling for a "free trade" and "international cooperation."

"The EU is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary. However, everyone loses in an escalated trade conflict, and it is US consumers who will pay the highest price," Kristersson noted.

Earlier, Trump announced that the US will impose 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico starting Aug. 1.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared separate letters addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, announcing a 30% tariff on goods bound for the US from Europe and Mexico.

The letter puts US-EU trade talks at risk, as the bloc had aimed to finalize a comprehensive trade deal this month.