The list is based on the comments that EU member states and others have been able to submit since the beginning of March.
Even if the EU prefers negotiations, we cannot wait forever. We have received valuable input from member states and have a robust list of countermeasures, says Sefcovic at the press conference after the EU countries' extraordinary trade minister meeting in Luxembourg.
A vote on the list will be held on Wednesday, after which a decision on the countermeasures – which primarily concern the steel and aluminum tariffs announced by the USA at the beginning of March – will be taken on April 12.
Wants zero tariffs
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also emphasizes that the EU is primarily seeking to negotiate.
The EU is always ready to make a good deal, she says at a press conference in Brussels in connection with a visit from Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
She also repeats that the EU has offered zero tariffs to the USA for industrial goods, including cars.
The offer was made a long time ago and has been repeated, for example, for the automotive sector. All possible instruments are on the table, says von der Leyen.
"Broad consensus"
Similar words are heard from Sweden's Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa (M).
From Sweden's side, we will drive to keep the negotiating door open with the USA. Europe has also been there trying to negotiate, but the interest from the USA's side has been very limited, notes Dousa on his way into the meeting.
According to Dousa, there is a "broad consensus" among EU countries to respond. Sweden is also included.
We will stand behind well-balanced and proportionate countermeasures to put pressure on the USA to open up for negotiations. The best for Sweden and for Europe and for the USA is a negotiated solution. But Europe is ready to act, says the minister.
Ready for bazooka?
The EU could take advantage of the comprehensive anti-coercion measures introduced to respond to economic pressure from outside, often referred to as a "bazooka", considering its impact.
But we are not there yet, believes Dousa.
All alternatives are on the table, and it is important that the EU stands united. But I do not think one should use the anti-coercion instrument too lightly. It must be carefully analyzed so that we do not shoot ourselves in the foot, says the trade minister in Luxembourg.
