EU Countries Go on Tariff Defense NYT | Top Stories By: Liz Alderman 12 April 2025 at 00:49 The uncertainty of higher tariffs has spurred Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain to announce financial lifelines for businesses and workers. More countries are expected to follow. © Andres Martinez Casares/Agence France-Presse, via Pool/Afp Via Getty ImagesPrime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, left, and President Xi Jinping of China meeting Friday in Beijing.