ISTANBUL

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

"The current uncertainty caused by unjustified tariffs cannot persist indefinitely, and therefore we must prepare for all outcomes, including, if necessary, well considered proportioned countermeasures to restore the balance in our transatlantic relationship," Maros Sefcovic told reporters during a doorstep statement ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council on trade.

Reaffirming that the EU had always approached tariff talks with the US in "good faith," he noted that the idea of a 30% tariff rate is "effectively prohibitive" to the mutual trade.

"We remain convinced that our transatlantic relationship deserve a negotiated solution, one that builds the basis for renewed stability and cooperation, and that is why we continue to engage with the United States administration and prioritize negotiated solutions by the new deadline of the August 1," Sefcovic noted.

He further underscored that they are approaching to a "good" outcome for both sides, claiming that the US is also still "ready" to continue negotiations.

"I'm absolutely 100% sure that negotiated solution is much better than the tension which we might have after the first of August," Sefcovic added.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington will impose 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico starting Aug. 1, putting the US-EU trade talks at risk, as the bloc had aimed to finalize a comprehensive trade deal this month.

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.

Von der Leyen then voiced readiness to work toward an agreement with the US by Aug. 1 and vowed to take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures.