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Trump’s Tariffs Signal Europe Must Take Control of Its Future, Says ECB’s Lagarde

AsianFin -- The impending implementation of US tariffs on April 2 underscores the need for Europe to take greater control of its future, European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde said on Monday.

"I’ve described this as a defining moment for Europe... and I see it as the beginning of a march toward independence," Lagarde stated in an interview with France Inter radio.

Referring to President Donald Trump’s characterization of the tariff move as "Liberation Day" in the United States, Lagarde countered, "I see it as a moment when we must collectively decide to take better control of our destiny—a step toward independence."

Trump is set to unveil a sweeping tariff proposal this Wednesday after already imposing levies on aluminum, steel, and automobiles, as well as raising tariffs on all goods imported from China.

"He operates with a purely transactional mindset, applying business principles to the management of international relations," Lagarde said, highlighting Trump’s approach to global trade policy.

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