European officials criticized trade wars as bad for businesses and consumers on both sides but insisted they would safeguard their own interests.

Unjustified” 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered,” says European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers,” von der Leyen said in a statement in reaction to US President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum the previous day.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that the EU would respond with “firm and proportionate countermeasures” to the 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports imposed by US President Donald Trump the previous day.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday vowed "firm and proportionate countermeasures" in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports,

European Union trade ministers will hold an unscheduled video conference on Wednesday to discuss the bloc's response to impending U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs, EU diplomats said on Tuesday. U.S. President Donald Trump signed proclamations late on Monday to raise tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports to 25% without exceptions or exemptions.

French steelmaker Aperam on Tuesday called on Brussels to intervene to curb imports if new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States prompt companies to ship more to the European Union instead.