Euroquestions #96 | Trump, tariffs and the future of international trade
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on April 22 that the global economy could be hit hard as US sweeping tariffs threaten to spark an all-out trade war. The transatlantic trade relationship, with two-way commerce totalling annual €1.6 trillion is being shaken. Countries all around the world are rethinking their trade and investment strategies to respond to President Trump’s tariffs. Since being confirmed in December 2025, von der Leyen’s Commission, which handles trade policy on behalf of the bloc’s 27 members, has accelerated trade negotiations with partners across the world (conclusion with Mercosur and Switzerland, relaunched negotiations with Thailand and the Philippines and opened discussions with the United Arab Emirates). How has the European Union responded to Trump’s tariff policies, and what measures have they taken to protect their own economies? Is it enough? What about China? And what are the implications for the World Trade Organization?
We are delighted to welcome Arancha González, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) at Sciences Po and Member of the Jacques Delors Institute’s Board of Directors to discuss these challenging questions.
