Citizens of European Union (EU)countries called on the EU to take a tougher stance and firm action against the tariff threat from the United States after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday emphasized the bloc's commitment to a negotiated solution.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that his administration would impose 30 percent tariffs on EU exports starting on August 1, arguing that bilateral trade had long been unbalanced and lacked reciprocity.
Von der Leyen said that the European Union will delay the implementation of its trade countermeasures against the United States until early August to allow more time to negotiate a deal.
She said that the EU remained committed to a negotiated solution, but emphasized that the bloc has also been ready to respond with countermeasures if necessary.
In response to the EU's two-track approach to U.S. tariffs, EU citizens called for a hardline stance from the EU.
"I think the EU needs to take a tougher stance. Trump, you compromise with him, he says 'great', he'll make things better for a little bit and then he will come right back around later as soon as you say the wrong thing, do one thing he doesn't like, he'll do it again. So I think countries need to learn that compromise with him doesn't work successfully. You need to be just as tough with him and fight back," said Price, a local resident.
"I think the relationship between the United States and the EU has become tense since Trump took office. The United States advocates for the concept of 'America First', and believe that the United States stands above all other countries in the world, which will further worsen the relations between Europe and the U.S.," said Theil, another resident.
European leaders have voiced growing frustration, with many urging immediate retaliatory steps.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "strong disapproval" of the U.S. move, and said the EU must speed up preparing "credible countermeasures" using all tools, including anti-coercion, available if talks fail.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the move as a "unilateral escalation," and said the EU is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala criticized the U.S. tariffs for negatively impacting transatlantic trade and called for "unity and determination" to protect the EU's interests.
EU citizens call for tough stance against US tariffs
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
