Ursula von der Leyen has reiterated that the agreement on tariffs between the EU and the US was a ‘conscious decision’ that avoided a trade war.

Regarding the 15 per cent cap on US tariffs on a range of products - from cars to pharmaceuticals, from semiconductors to timber - the Commission leader spoke of a “good, if not perfect agreement”, while recalling how tariffs are “taxes that burden consumers and businesses”, increasing “costs, reduce choice and undermine the competitiveness of economies”.

In conclusion, von der Leyen called for a “strong and independent” Europe, urging it to “complete the single market” and “strengthen competitiveness and sustainability”.