In the battle with Donald Trump over tariffs, the Europeans have seemed perpetually one step behind. While the American president rapidly issued announcements, the European Union (EU) members first needed to reach a consensus before the Commission, which is responsible for trade, could make a move. And should the White House suddenly retract its decisions, the EU could quickly find itself out of sync and forced to urgently adjust its strategy.

This is what happened on Thursday, April 10. In a whirlwind sequence that lasted less than 24 hours, the Europeans unleashed their first retaliatory measures against the US tariffs, only to suspend them when Donald Trump declared a temporary truce in his protectionist offensive.

After weeks of negotiations, on Wednesday, April 9, in the afternoon, the 27 member states finally decided on their response to the 25% surcharges that, since March 12, have been affecting their sales of steel and aluminum across the Atlantic. Except for Hungary's Viktor Orban, who positions himself as Donald Trump's "friend," all member states have supported the Commission's plan.

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