European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stated in an interview with German television ZDF that he is not “overly optimistic” ahead of talks on Wednesday in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the trade dispute between the EU and the U.S.
“We have clearly made it known that we are not enemies of the United States. We have a common past that we must not forget, but I am not overly optimistic,” said Juncker, adding that the EU is prepared to take countermeasures if Trump decides to impose tariffs on European cars.
Juncker emphasized that he wants to “avoid a trade war.”
>>> Juncker travels to Washington on Wednesday to stop the EU-U.S. trade war
“We are here to explain our position and explore ways to avoid a trade war,” he said.
The visit comes just days after Trump labeled the European Union as an enemy of the United States that exploits them in trade.
The U.S. administration imposed tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from the European Union in early June and is now announcing new tariffs on imports of European cars. The European Union has responded with countermeasures and announced that it is preparing new measures in case new tariffs on cars are introduced.
