On August 1, 2025, Donald Trump’s second administration is set to impose 30% tariffs on all EU imports, an unprecedented economic assault that will hammer European workers. These tariffs are not a policy accident: they are part of an intentional strategy that protects U.S. oligarchs, empowers billionaires, and offloads the cost of trade wars onto people.
In response, the European Commission has tabled a €72 billion list of potential countermeasures, but it has not acted. The previous €21 billion package was shelved in April 2025, and now the latest list sits unused, as the Commission continues to chase a “deal” that shows no sign of acting.
Left co-president Manon Aubry (La France Insoumise, France) said: “The United States will impose a 30% tariff on all European products starting August 1st. This is where Ursula von der Leyen’s dithering has led us, she never gave herself the means to establish a balance of power or a European response, nor did she propose an exit strategy for a trade war that could cause considerable damage, particularly to the most vulnerable populations. A change in direction is needed—one based on protectionism, reindustrialization, planning, and ecological and solidarity-based relocation in order to produce what we truly need.“
Left co-president Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany) said: “The United States of America is transforming, under Donald Trump, into an authoritarian and corrupt oligarchy. Trump is using trade policy, particularly punitive tariffs, to enforce American dominance and serve the interests of his oligarch friends. This is pure trade imperialism. What we need is an international trade order based on rules and fair trade, not free trade agreements that only benefit large multinationals. Being naïve about the democratic instincts of the Trump administration puts our jobs at risk.“
Left MEP and Chair of FISC Committee Pasquale Tridico (M5S, Italy) said: “This is not merely a trade issue. It is a matter of social justice, economic sovereignty, and dignity. Enough of this asymmetry, enough of this economic dependence. Our social model is at risk if we continue to allow those who make profits here to give nothing back to society. We call for symmetrical countermeasures, targeted and selective tariffs. If we fail to act, we risk undermining the single market. The time has come: either we defend Europe now, or we condemn our economy to political and economic irrelevance.“
The European Commission has the tools, but lacks the political will. By refusing to act, the Commission is shielding elites from accountability while leaving EU workers exposed. This is a fight not just about trade, but also social justice. Trump’s tariffs are crafted to protect the billionaire class. Our response must do the opposite: protect people, and tax the rich.
