The European Democratic Party (EDP) has launched a forceful political offensive following U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threat to impose sweeping tariffs on key European exports. The warning, issued last week as part of Trump’s escalating “America First” economic agenda, has sparked alarm across the European Union. In response, the EDP has called for an international democratic coalition to stand against what it describes as economic intimidation and trade blackmail.
In a joint statement, EDP Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemned Trump’s tactics as a deliberate campaign to divide and dominate America’s allies. “President Trump threatens Europe with tariffs to fuel his campaign of fear. His tactic is clear: divide, bully, dominate. But Europe is not a doormat. The European Democrats calls for a democratic alliance to stop this economic aggression. We won’t bow,” said Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party. The EDP’s response is rooted in the conviction that the EU must act with confidence and coordination, rejecting silence or submission in the face of escalating threats. The party’s message is uncompromising: Europe will not be bullied into accepting trade terms dictated under duress.
The EDP points to previous U.S. tariff actions under Trump’s first presidency as evidence of his divide-and-rule strategy. They argue that those who attempted to negotiate bilaterally with Washington were sidelined and weakened. This time, they say, Europe must lead in building a broad, multilateral front. With allies like Canada, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and democratic partners in Latin America and Africa, the EDP insists that a united democratic coalition can easily match and surpass U.S. economic weight—and should use that strength to push back collectively.
The MEPs propose an assertive but strategic response: a 30% retaliatory tariff on politically sensitive U.S. goods, the immediate activation of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, and a coordinated digital services tax targeting American Big Tech firms. These actions, they stress, are not intended as escalation, but as necessary measures to defend European industries and uphold a fair, rules-based global trade order.
“Trump’s threats are unacceptable. Countermeasures must be on the table, but alliances matter too. Partnering with Canada, South Korea and Japan will strengthen multilateralism. It’s time to use Europe’s anti-coercion tool – defending jobs, industries, and Europe itself is non-negotiable.”said Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, an EDP MEP from France’s Mouvement Democrate party.
While calling for firmness, the EDP also advocates for long-term strategic thinking. German MEP Joachim Streit emphasized that retaliation alone will not make Europe stronger. “Trump’s threats to Europe are unacceptable, but retaliation alone won’t strengthen us. We must negotiate firmly, strengthen our industries—especially defence—and open new markets from Canada to Australia. Europe is stronger when united and outward-looking. Let’s respond with strategy, not slogans.” Looking beyond the current crisis, the EDP envisions a tariff-free transatlantic trade zone based on shared standards for climate, labor, digital governance, and corporate taxation. Such a framework, they argue, would prevent future tensions and build a more resilient and respectful economic relationship with the U.S.
The EDP’s call to action ends on a note of urgency. Trump, they contend, is testing the resolve of democratic nations by exploiting fear and division. But the party is adamant that this moment must become a turning point. “Trump is not invulnerable,” the statement reads. “He responds to pressure—especially when it hits his political base.” For the EDP, this is not simply a trade dispute, but a fundamental test of Europe’s unity, resilience, and democratic will. “We will negotiate, but not under threat. We are open to dialogue – but never to submission.” In the face of pressure from Washington, the EDP has drawn a clear line: Europe will not yield. It will respond—strategically, forcefully, and together.
Here are all those who signed this declaration – alongside many citizens – including Members of the European Parliament, national MPs, and national political leaders:
Sandro Gozi MEP, Yvan Verougstraete MEP, Oihane Agirregoitia MEP, Laurence Farreng MEP, Christophe Grudler MEP, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne MEP, Christine Singer MEP, Joachim Streit MEP, Arnold Cassola President of Momentum Malta, Enrico Borghi Italian Senator and Vice President of Italia Viva, Ivan Scalfarotto Italian Senator, Alice Bernard-Montini President of the Young Democrats for Europe, Theodora Tzakri Greek MP and EDP Vice President, Teresa Bellanova EDP Vice President, Frédéric Petit French MP and EDP Deputy Secretary General, Gerrit Jan van Otterloo Chairman of the Jnf50Plus Foundation.
