The European Union has set up a rapid reaction force to prepare for a scenario in which Donald Trump returns to the White House after the November 5 election. According to Politico, Brussels is not just poised for a strong response but is ready to strike back almost instantaneously. "We will hit back fast and we will hit back hard," a senior European diplomat said, commenting on the EU’s plan for a Trump trade war.

Back in 2018, when Trump imposed tariffs on aluminum imports, sparing only Canada and Mexico, Europe found itself off balance. But things have changed. Brussels has no plans to stand by and watch as new tariffs potentially threaten European industries. Instead, EU leaders believe that the stronger their response, the faster Trump might come to the negotiating table and reconsider his position.

Unsurprisingly, Marjorie Chorlins, vice president for European affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce, seems unfazed by the news. The EU has been carefully crafting its strategy, fully aware that Trump’s affinity for tariffs could reignite a new chapter in trade tensions.

At his campaign rallies, Trump has already promised to introduce tariffs on EU goods to reduce the trade deficit and drive factories back to the United States. In Brussels, there is a shared conviction that a swift and robust response is essential to avoid serious consequences for European economies.

The Financial Times previously reported that the EU is developing a comprehensive counter-strategy that includes higher tariffs on US imports. So if Trump takes on Europe again, Brussels will be ready to respond.