Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The European Union remains committed to a predictable transatlantic relationship while keeping retaliatory options on the table to protect EU interests. Officials may activate the Anti-Coercion Instrument, informally known as the 'commercial bazooka,' in response to US tariff threats. This mechanism was created in June 2023 to protect EU member states from economic coercion by third countries. The instrument has never been activated by the European Union before. The European Commission stated it is maintaining close contact with North American counterparts to seek clarifications regarding United States commitments. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to a predictable transatlantic relationship while implementing joint declaration commitments in accordance with normal legislative practices.

The European Commission stated it will keep options open to protect European interests if the United States implements measures inconsistent with existing agreements. A Commission spokesperson affirmed a commitment to predictable and mutually transatlantic relations. Both sides had previously established a 15 percent tariff rate. The statement follows recent US tariff announcements. The European Union is considering activating its anti-coercion instrument, referred to as the 'commercial bazooka,' to protect member state interests against US tariff threats. The EU maintains the option to use the Anti-Coercion Instrument, a mechanism created in June 2023 to counter economic coercion. The European Commission stated it is maintaining close contact with US counterparts to seek clarification on US commitments.

The European Commission is considering raising tariffs by 25 percent in response to US trade actions. Both sides previously established a 15 percent tariff rate.

A court decision has been annulled to allow for a full trial on the merits of a case involving the European Commission. The ruling follows a previous decision that was overturned, enabling the court to judge the substance of the matter.

The European Trade Union Confederation, representing labor organizations from 41 European countries, issued a statement regarding the conflict in Iran. The confederation stated that workers refuse to pay for Donald Trump's war in the Middle East.

Tariffs on certain goods are being increased to 25 percent due to claims that the European Union is not adhering to a previously agreed trade agreement. President Trump has increased tariffs on European Union products, citing non-compliance with a trade deal signed in Scotland last month. Brussels stated it is keeping options open regarding potential retaliation but has not yet acted. This follows a previous agreement with the European Commission's President that set a 15% tariff on most goods last July. This follows a previous action in April 2025 where the US imposed 25% tariffs on imported vehicles. Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, stated the move indicates the US is an unreliable trade partner. The announcement was reported by Radio Itatiaia. No specific timeline for the implementation of these tariffs was provided in the broadcast.

Foreign Affairs Representative Kayakalas has mobilized EU member states to consult on methods to prevent the circumvention of existing mechanisms intended to support Ukraine. The discussion follows recent developments regarding Israeli offensives.

The European Union has approved a 90 billion euro loan to cover Ukraine's needs through 2027. The bloc remains divided regarding the pace of Ukraine's accession to the union. This financial support follows ongoing conflict in the region.

A fire broke out on a military site in Belgium during the late afternoon. The Belgian Minister of Defense stated that the fire is now under control. The Belgian Minister of Defense confirmed the status of the fire following reports that it had been burning since late afternoon.

The European Union is considering the activation of its anti-coercion instrument, informally called the "commercial bazooka," in response to tariff threats from the United States. The European Commission stated it remains committed to protecting European Union interests. Officials said all options remain on the table if the United States takes measures incompatible with a joint declaration. Brussels previously suspended a 93 billion euro commercial retaliation package against the United States for six months in January. This mechanism was created in June 2023 and has never been activated by the EU before. The EU Commission stated it will retain all options to protect interests if US measures are inconsistent with trade agreements, amid reports of potential 25% vehicle tariffs. Donald Trump has accused the EU of violating a trade agreement and threatened to increase tariffs to 25%.