European Union (EU) leaders condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 50 percent tariff on all EU imports on Friday. Trump escalated trade tensions with the EU on Friday, threatening to impose the 50 percent tariff starting June 1. In a post on a social media platform, Trump said he is recommending the tariff due to stalled negotiations with Brussels. "Trade talks are going nowhere," he wrote, adding that the EU "was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE." Maros Sefcovic, European commissioner for trade and economic security, stressed in a post on the social media platform X that trade between the EU and the United States "must be guided by mutual respect, not threats." "The EU Commission remains ready to work in good faith," he wrote, adding that the EU stands ready to defend its interests. Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the U.S. actions would seriously damage bilateral trade relations. The EU is one of the largest economic partners of the United States, with an annual bilateral trade volume exceeding 1.5 trillion euros. A source familiar with the U.S.-EU negotiation process disclosed that the current negotiations have reached a deadlock. The U.S. demands that the EU make unilateral concessions, while the EU seeks an agreement that considers both sides' interests. SHOTLIST: FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Oct 2024 1. Various of White House, U.S. national flag; 2. Various of Capitol Hill, U.S. national flag; Brussels, Belgium - May 6, 2025 3. Various of European Parliament building, flags of EU, members; FILE: Brussels, Belgium - 2022 4. Various of Berlaymont building, EU flags; FILE: Schwarzheide, Germany - 2022 5. Various of car assembly line; FILE: Lingen, Germany - March 13, 2025 6. Various of steel production in progress; Los Angeles, USA - Recent 7. Various of scenes at Port of Los Angeles; FILE: Los Angeles, USA - Date Unknown 8. Various of port scene; containers, vessel. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]