EU and US Reach Trade Deal Amid Criticism
A new trade agreement between the European Union and the United States imposes a 15 percent tariff on a majority of imports from the EU. The deal is viewed by EU officials as a means to “save trade flows, save jobs in Europe,” and “open a new chapter in EU-U.S. relations,” reports 24brussels.
European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič emphasized that the negotiations extended beyond trade, highlighting the significance of security issues, particularly regarding Ukraine and current geopolitical tensions. He noted that ensuring continued military support from Washington for both Ukraine and NATO was a critical factor in the agreement.
Despite the EU’s leadership celebrating the deal, dissent emerged from powerful EU members. France, along with several industry lobbyists, criticized Brussels for yielding too readily to former President Trump’s demands.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the agreement, contrasting sharply with French President Emmanuel Macron, who has refrained from commenting. French Prime Minister François Bayrou condemned the treaty, labeling it an act of “submission” to U.S. interests.
The BDI, Germany’s leading industry lobby, expressed that the deal sends “a fatal sign” regarding the transatlantic trade future. In France, the major business group Medef pointed out that this outcome reflects the EU’s ongoing challenge in gaining respect, while the nation’s confederation of small- and medium-sized enterprises warned of the “disastrous impact” of the agreement.
Valerie Heyer, leader of the liberal Renew group in the European Parliament, remarked, “The lesson of this agreement: We are an economic giant but a political dwarf,” adding her voice to the widespread criticism from French politicians.
