French foreign minister vows firm response to potential US tariffs on EU goods

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has pledged a tough response to the US if it introduces higher tariffs on European goods.

If the interests of Europeans are affected, "we will react", the minister warned in an interview with a French news outlet, per Caliber.Az.

The minister, discussing rising tensions in transatlantic relations, cited President Trump’s provocative remarks about annexing Canada and invading Greenland, which raised doubts about America's reliability as an ally. "It’s only natural for Donald Trump to prioritize American interests—that’s his job. It’s up to us to defend ourselves and to stand firm on anything that is non-negotiable," Barrot stated, reinforcing that European borders and democratic integrity were not open for discussion.

Barrot argued that Europe must assert itself in a world where “the law of the strongest” appears to be resurfacing. He called for Europe to recognize its own power, which, despite its strengths in political, military, economic, and cultural realms, remains largely underappreciated. “Europe must emerge as a true great power,” he said. “France has a role to play in achieving this.”

The minister also highlighted Europe’s position as the world’s largest economic market and its military capabilities, warning that no one benefits from a trade war between the US and the European Union.

He pointed out that while the US has a trade deficit with Europe, American investments on the continent balance this out. A tariff increase, according to Barrot, would hurt American interests in Europe, as well as the US middle class, which would face a decline in purchasing power.

Barrot concluded by emphasizing the need for Europe to defend a global order based on law, not force, and to back up its principles with credible power. "Europe must remain faithful to what has enabled a balanced organization of exchanges," he said. "We must assert our own power to be credible when we defend the law."

Following Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, there is significant concern in Europe regarding potential U.S. trade policies, particularly the imposition of tariffs on European goods. Trump has recently expressed a strong preference for tariffs.

By Khagan Isayev