The European Union is preparing measures against the new tariffs imposed by the US on imported cars. The European Union (EU) Commission Spokesperson Olof Gill made a statement regarding the new tariffs announced by the US on imported cars at a daily press conference held in Brussels. Gill stated, “We are ready to protect our economic interests.” and added, “If necessary, we will respond to any unfair and retaliatory measures from the US with a strong, proportionate, powerful, well-calibrated, and timely response.” Indicating that their priority is to resolve the issue through negotiations, Gill mentioned that they aim to build, not disrupt, the relationship between the EU and the US, and that the measures announced by the US are entirely in the wrong direction. Gill reminded that the US has already begun to apply tariffs on steel and aluminum imports officially, emphasizing that Europe has responded effectively to this. Gill stated that they have received the announcement regarding cars from the US at this stage, and learned that a new series of reciprocal tariffs, known as mutual tariffs, will come into effect next week. Gill expressed, “We view these measures with regret but we are also preparing to respond to them.” Gill highlighted that they cannot determine when the response to actions that have not yet been implemented will come, but underscored that the EU will respond in a timely, strong, well-adjusted manner, and in a way that will have the intended effect. He said, “The EU will take all necessary steps to protect our common market, industry, and companies.” US President Donald Trump signed an executive order yesterday to impose a 25% tariff on imported cars and trucks to increase domestic production. The new customs tariffs are expected to come into effect on April 2nd.