Juan
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juanofmany.bsky.social
Juan
@juanofmany.bsky.social
180 followers 300 following 43 posts
🌍 London-based Software Engineer | 💻 Passionate about coding and innovation | 🌱 Advocate for sustainability and progressive politics | 📺 Sci-fi & fantasy aficionado
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juanofmany.bsky.social
Meanwhile… thousands walk peacefully against genocide in Gaza
October 11, 2025 at 12:58 PM
juanofmany.bsky.social
What are the chances the EU will approve retaliatory tariffs against Trump’s policies in their April 15 vote? I used Perplexity’s AI Reasoning model to analyze the likelihood and here’s its answer.

I’m pretty impressed with it. Full response in text mode here www.perplexity.ai/search/ff6aa...
The EU’s planned April 15 vote on countermeasures against U.S. tariffs is highly likely to pass based on recent statements and actions by EU member states and institutions. Here’s the analysis: Consensus for Retaliation • Broad ministerial agreement: EU trade ministers meeting in Luxembourg on April 7 reached a general consensus that countermeasures should be prepared as leverage, even while prioritizing negotiations. The Dutch Trade Minister emphasized the need to “react in a manner that reduces tension” but warned of readiness to implement countermeasures. • Diplomatic resolve: Two EU diplomats told POLITICO that a “clear majority” of member states believe retaliatory action is necessary to get Trump’s attention, with one comparing the situation to dealing with a “schoolyard bully”. Preparedness and Timing • Phased response strategy: The EU has developed a multi-stage plan: 1. Initial counter-tariffs on $26 billion of U.S. goods (targeting steel/aluminum) set for April 15 implementation 2. Follow-up measures addressing automotive tariffs and the broader 20% blanket tariffs announced April 2 • Legal groundwork: The European Commission has already prepared target lists including agricultural products, whiskey, and manufactured goods. Key Member State Positions • France: Pushing for measures that “impact U.S. services” and advocating for use of the EU’s new anti-coercion instrument • Germany: While favoring dialogue, has endorsed the Commission’s twin-track approach of preparing measures while keeping negotiations open • Nordic/Baltic states: Initially cautious, but now aligned with the majority position after the April 2 tariff escalation Remaining Challenges • Hungary’s reservations: While not explicitly opposing, Budapest has questioned the timing of measures during ongoing negotiations • Implementation logistics: Some smaller states have raised concerns about enforcement timelines and exemption processes The combination of prepared measures, broad ministerial consensus, and strategic alignment between major member states makes passage of the April 15 vote nearly certain. However, the final vote margin may depend on last-minute negotiations and the U.S. response to the EU’s “zero-for-zero” tariff elimination offer made on April 7.
April 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM