Brussels: US Billionaire and head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk announced his support for the creation of a free trade zone with the EU, despite the trade tariffs previously imposed by US President Donald Trump against the bloc. "I hope that the United States and Europe can establish a very close partnership. There's an alliance already, but I'm hopeful that there can be a very close relationship with America and Europe," Musk said, speaking via video link at the League Congress in Italy, organized by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. "I hope at the end of the day it is agreed that both Europe and the United States should move - ideally, in my view - to a zero-tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America."

According to Namibia Press Agency, Musk added that he also advocates freedom of movement and employment between the US and the EU, noting that he had given such advice to Trump. Trump announced the introduction of "reciprocal" tariffs on imports from other countries. The basic minimum rate will be 10%, but for each country the tariff will be calibrated and will be half of what they charge companies importing US goods. According to Trump, this will be a "declaration of economic independence" for the United States and will help use "trillions and trillions of dollars" to pay off the national debt. For imports from EU countries, the tariff will be 20%.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Brussels wanted to negotiate with Washington on tariffs, but was preparing countermeasures in case they were unsuccessful.