“The EU thrives as one of the world’s most open economies, with over 70% of imports entering at zero tariff. The EU’s average applied tariff on imported goods remains among the lowest globally. Economic integration and the removal of trade barriers have been fundamental to the European Union’s success”. The European Commission’s statement, released today in response to the tariffs imposed by the US on European goods, goes on to read: “We believe in trade partnerships that are mutually beneficial and balanced, grounded in transparency and fairness. That is also why the EU has the largest and fastest growing network of trade agreements in the world. The EU has negotiated and concluded over three times as many trade agreements as the US”. Finally: “The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies. The EU will always protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariff measures”.