Legal Uncertainty Halts Progress
European Parliament negotiators have suspended the EU-US trade agreement after last week’s US Supreme Court decision questioned the legality of key tariffs imposed in 2025. In response, President Donald Trump announced fresh 15% duties on imports, complicating the path forward. German MEP Bernd Lange basis has totally changed” and emphasized the need for clear assurances from Washington before resuming the deal.
Parliament Seeks Stability Before Voting
The pact, brokered in July 2025 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, was already controversial in Europe for favoring the US. While it locks in 15% US tariffs on EU exports, most American goods enter the bloc duty-free. MEPs had previously frozen the deal after Trump threatened tariffs over Greenland but had planned to vote this week. That vote has now been postponed as lawmakers demand clarity on how the new tariffs will affect the agreement.
Diplomatic Talks Aim to Ease Tensions
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič met with MEPs and consulted with US Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer over the weekend. He also held talks with G7 counterparts to address the latest US tariff moves. Šefčovič stressed that respecting the deal and clarifying the 15% tariff framework is critical, saying, “a deal is a deal and we have to respect it.” Since returning to office, Trump has pursued a tough trade policy aimed at reshoring US industry and boosting revenues, but the Supreme Court ruling now casts doubt over the authority to impose tariffs without Congress.
