By Solomon 
The European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, has made it clear that the EU won’t just sit back if Donald Trump slaps tariffs on European goods. Speaking in Poland, she stressed that while the EU values its trade relationship with the US—worth a massive €1.5 trillion—it won’t hesitate to hit back against unfair trade moves.
She said keeping the transatlantic partnership strong is important for both economies, but if the US takes “unfair or arbitrary” actions, the EU will respond firmly.
Beyond trade, she also touched on security concerns, especially at the EU’s eastern borders. She called the migrant crisis at Poland’s border a “hybrid threat,” blaming Russia and Belarus for using migration as a political weapon. According to her, this isn’t just a migration issue—it’s a national security matter.
To tackle the problem, the EU is working more closely with countries where migrants originate, trying to stop irregular migration before it starts. Her message to those considering illegal routes? “Don’t trust smugglers and traffickers—they take your money, put your life at risk, and you’ll be sent back.” Instead, she’s pushing for legal migration pathways and education investment.
Meanwhile, Trump has made it clear that tariffs on EU goods are coming—and soon.