Habeck suggests that even though Trump can only enforce retaliatory trade sanctions against the entire European Union, it’s likely that any tariffs he imposes would be designed to specifically impact the German economy. Trump has been known to express his dissatisfaction with the EU for not purchasing sufficient quantities of American cars and agricultural goods, and has displayed a particular fixation with the prevalence of German vehicles on the streets of Manhattan.

The EU stands ready to counter any U.S. tariffs, but Habeck insists that Germany needs to bolster Europe’s strength. He stresses that regardless of the future German government’s intentions, it should act in a European manner.

Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, the German center-right CDU leader and probable next chancellor, mentioned on Saturday that Europe would not be caught off-guard by Trump’s actions. At a press conference held at a European People’s Party (EPP) leadership retreat in Berlin, Merz stated, “I believe Donald Trump is quite predictable. He follows through with his words. Therefore, we can anticipate a lot more clarity in the upcoming weeks and months.”

Merz also opined that Trump’s actions were compelling the EU to implement much-needed reforms, such as enhancing Europe’s defense capabilities. “In this regard, this also presents an opportunity for us to take the right actions,” Merz commented.

In other news, the Germany National Parliament Poll of Polls was conducted. For more polling data from across Europe, visit POLITICO Poll of Polls. This report was compiled by Hans von der Burchard in Munich and Giovanna Coi in Brussels.