The European Union has reacted sharply to new threats from US President Donald Trump to impose 50% tariffs on the EU, reigniting fears of a trade war between the two sides.
Trump called trade talks with Brussels a failure and warned of new measures, including the EU in a series of threats that have accompanied his second term.
The European Commission stated that trade should be based on respect and not pressure, while the Commissioner for Trade, Maros Sefcovic, stressed that the EU is ready to defend its interests.
Member states such as France, the Netherlands and Poland have also criticized Trump's rhetoric, calling for escalation, but have also warned that they are prepared for a counterattack.
US-EU trade relations remain tense, at a time when the world is still struggling to maintain global economic stability.