The European Union is calling for immediate engagement with the United States regarding planned tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said.

Sefcovic’s statement came ahead of an EU ministers’ meeting set to discuss trade issues and the bloc’s competitiveness.

The EU trade chief expressed his desire to initiate an “early dialogue” and said he hopes for swift confirmation of Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, financier Howard Lutnick.

Sefcovic emphasized that the EU is prepared to begin negotiations immediately, hoping to prevent measures that could disrupt the substantial trade and investment relationship between the EU and the U.S.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Sefcovic’s stance, emphasizing that the EU will defend its interests throughout negotiations.

The statements by Sefcovic and von der Leyen highlight the EU’s readiness to swiftly address concerns surrounding the proposed tariffs.