EU will retaliate on tariffs 'if no agreement reached'
Speaking in the Danish city of Aarhus, at the launch of the Danish presidency of the EU, Ms Von der Leyen said: "As you know, the negotiations with the United States are ongoing.
"As we speak, [EU trade] Commissioner Sefcovic is in Washington today. I just want to say we are ready for a deal.
"We want a negotiated solution, but you will know that at the same time, we're preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached.
"This is why we consulted on a rebalancing list, and we will defend the European interest as needed. In other words, all the instruments are on the table," she added.
Ms von der Leyen's comments come after Tánaiste Simon Harris said yesterday that US tariffs of 10% on exports from Ireland will be the "new normal" but that efforts are continuing to agree zero for zero taxes in some key areas.
"The US believes in tariffs. Clearly 10% seems to be the baseline in any agreements they have reached so far," he said.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke also said that he is "hopeful rather than confident" that a deal on tariffs can be reached between the US and European Union by 9 July.
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