The European Union has decided to suspend for 90 days the implementation of countermeasures it had planned to impose in response to the United States‘ tariffs, giving room for negotiations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the decision was taken to give a opportunity for talks with Washington, while stressing that preparations for further measures were continuing.

“While we were completing the adoption of the European countermeasures, which received broad support from member states, we decided to suspend them for 90 days,” von der Leyen said. “If the negotiations do not work, the countermeasures will be implemented. At the same time, preparatory work on additional measures is continuing.”

The decision marks a goodwill gesture on the part of the EU at a time when trade relations with the US are under pressure.