The European Union is expected to approve the first targeted trade sanctions against the United States in the coming days, according to Reuters. The sanctions, worth up to $28 billion in total, are a response to the unilateral tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on key European products.

Starting Wednesday, the US will impose 25% tariffs on imports of European steel, aluminum and automobiles, as well as “reverse” 20% tariffs on almost all other European products. The European Commission, which is responsible for coordinating the Union’s trade policy, will propose to member states a list of US products on which to impose extra tariffs – not as a universal response, but as selected countermeasures.

The list includes products such asUS meats, cereals, wine, lumber and clothing, but also more…unusual products such as gum, dental floss, vacuum cleaners and toilet paper. The selection of these goods is intended to inflict targeted economic and political costs on the US without harming critical sectors of the European economy.

Soft stance and readiness for dialogue

Despite the escalating tensions, the European Commission has so far moved with great caution. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called Trump’s tariffs“a big blow to the global economy”, but refrained from immediately announcing new retaliatory measures, stressing that Europe remains “always ready for dialogue.”

The Washington tariffs cover about 70% of EU exports to the US, worth 532 billion euros ($585 billion) by 2024. The list is not exhausted: additional charges are expected for products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and wood.

Critical meeting in Luxembourg

On Monday afternoon, Luxembourg will host the first pan-European political meeting since the announcement of US tariffs.

Trade ministers from the 27 member states will discuss the impact of Trump’s measures and appropriate responses in an effort to maintain unity and resolve in the European stance.