Merkel: EU should not be intimidated by U.S. tariffs

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated on Wednesday that the European Union should not be intimidated by U.S. tariffs as these tariffs will lead to American citizens paying more for goods.

Merkel stated that U.S. President Donald Trump is an attention seeker who craves the limelight, adding that his decision to slash tariffs for most countries is an example of this behavior.

"He wanted to draw attention to himself. That's what he wants, to distract attention and have everyone look at him," Merkel said. "And you can see this in what he is doing with the tariffs. In the end, he has to deliver good results for the American people. He has to prove his abilities, at least in his own country."

She said that Trump could face backlash if his tariffs cause American citizens to pay more for goods.

Merkel emphasized that the EU must remain united and should not be intimidated when Trump imposes additional tariffs on the EU, but instead should retaliate with tariffs of its own.

"I'm not saying we should to break off our relations with the U.S., but we must enter into negotiations," Merkel said.

She made the remarks in an interview at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens.

Trump has previously threatened that if there is no breakthrough in U.S.-EU trade talks by July 9, he will impose a 50 percent tariff on EU goods. Currently, the U.S. imposes a 50 percent tariff on EU steel and aluminum products, a 25 percent tariff on the automotive sector and a 10 percent base tariff on almost all other goods.