On Monday, At the informal European Council meeting in Brussels, EU leaders expressed a unified stance against a trade war with the United States but signalled different approaches. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a firm stance, warning that the EU must assert itself and respond decisively if necessary.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took a more cautious approach, stressing the importance of avoiding an outright clash. She advocated for a diplomatic solution and described US President Donald Trump as a negotiator, referencing the situation with Mexico. She also underscored the risks of a trade war that could disrupt vital sectors like defence and manufacturing.