EU chief hails pause on US tariffs as key step for global stability

ANKARA

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause sweeping tariffs, calling it an important step toward stabilizing the global economy.

In a statement on Thursday, von der Leyen underlined the critical need for clear, predictable conditions to ensure the smooth functioning of trade and supply chains.

"Tariffs are taxes that only hurt businesses and consumers," she said, stressing her long-standing advocacy for a "zero-for-zero tariff" deal between the EU and the US.

"The EU remains committed to constructive negotiations with the US, with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade," she said.

Von der Leyen highlighted Europe’s ongoing efforts to diversify trade partnerships globally, engaging with countries that account for 87% of global trade.

These partnerships align with the EU’s commitment to free and open exchanges of goods, services, and ideas, she stressed.

"Finally, we are stepping up our work to lift barriers in our own single market," von der Leyen added, calling the single market an "anchor of stability and resilience" during times of global uncertainty.

She assured citizens that her team would continue working tirelessly to protect the interests of Europeans, adding: "Together, Europeans will emerge stronger from this crisis."

On Wednesday, Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs; however, China has been excluded from the pause, and instead, the tariff rate has been increased to 125%.