Czech leaders react to new Trump tariffs on EU goods: 'Chaotic and impulsive'

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new set of sweeping tariffs this weekend that includes a 30 percent tariff on imports from the European Union, set to take effect on Aug. 1. The move targets the EU amid concerns over trade imbalances, triggering threats of EU retaliation and criticism from political leaders worldwide.

In the Czech Republic, Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed strong concerns about the tariffs’ potential economic impact, emphasizing the need for continued negotiations. Other Czech politicians also voiced sharp criticism of the U.S. decision, highlighting both economic and diplomatic risks for the EU and Czech companies.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala told Czech News Agency that the Czech Republic, aligned with its EU partners, supports ongoing constructive dialogue to resolve the dispute as tensions escalate between Washington and Brussels.

“The introduction of 30 percent tariffs on goods from the European Union […] would have a negative impact on the EU’s trade relations with the United States,” Fiala said, stressing the importance of unity and determination in protecting economic interests.

“We must respond with unity and determination to protect our economic interests and ensure fair trade for our companies,” he added. Fiala emphasized that diplomatic channels must remain open to prevent further escalation and called for a coordinated European approach.

Fiala’s remarks come after Trump’s letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, announcing the tariff increase.

Von der Leyen responded by affirming the EU’s readiness to continue negotiations until the Aug. 1 deadline and warned that retaliatory measures were under consideration.

Markéta Pekarová Adamová, chairwoman of the Czech Chamber of Deputies and leader of the TOP 09 party, questioned the durability of Trump’s announcement. She acknowledged the EU’s efforts to negotiate with “appropriate intensity and vigour” despite the unpredictable U.S. stance.

"[We don't know] whether he will announce the suspension again after a few hours and pretend that he is negotiating brilliantly," Pekarová Adamová stated. "I do not envy anyone negotiating with such a gambler with the global economy."

Karel Havlíček, first deputy chairman of the opposition ANO party, criticized the tariffs as significantly higher than against Britain, calling the U.S. approach unacceptable. He described the EU’s failure to push for regulatory reforms as “another debacle,” warning that without change, Europe risks becoming an “economic open-air museum.”

Zdeněk Hřib, chairman of the Czech Pirate Party, voiced deep mistrust in Trump’s policies. He called for the EU to respond not only with reciprocal measures but also by investing more robustly in its own defense and economy to reduce dependence on the U.S.

“[Trump's] chaotic and impulsive policy is destroying the trust we have had in the USA for decades,” Hřib said in a statement to Czech News Agency.

The new 30 percent tariffs announced by Trump this weekend affect all EU goods imported into the United States from August 1. The announcement follows failed trade negotiations and were justified by Trump citing trade imbalances. The EU’s prior tariff threat level was 20 percent, making this a significant increase.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of proportionate countermeasures if necessary, while French President Emmanuel Macron urged the EU to mobilize all tools, including anti-coercion measures, to defend European interests.