European Parliament leaders want to delay approval of EU-US trade deal
Leaders of the largest groups in the European Parliament have called for a pause in approving the EU-US trade deal due to new tariff threats from US President Donald Trump against several European countries over their stance on Greenland.
Source: statements by politicians on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda
Details: Manfred Weber, head of the European People's Party (EPP), the largest European Parliament faction, said that in light of recent developments in EU-US relations, the approval of the trade deal should be put on hold.
Quote from Weber: "The EPP is in favour of the EU-US trade deal, but given Donald Trump's threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage. The 0% tariffs on US products must be put on hold."
Quote from Socialists and Democrats Group leader Iratxe García Pérez: "Trump's 25% tariffs on allies supporting Greenland against his imperialist threats are unacceptable. We must act now: suspend negotiations on the EU-US trade deal and activate the Anti-Coercion Instrument. The EU will not bow to intimidation."
Details: Valérie Hayer, leader of the Renew Europe faction, also said that under current circumstances her political group cannot vote for the EU-US trade deal.
She called Trump's tariff threats against countries that stood up for Denmark and Greenland unacceptable and recalled previous unfriendly US actions towards the EU.
Quote from Hayer: "It is now time to move from a strategy of reliance to one of deterrence. Consequently, Renew Europe cannot vote in favour of the EU-US Turnberry trade deal. Furthermore, the EU should be prepared to deploy targeted and proportionate countermeasures."
Background:
- On 27 July, the US and EU announced the conclusion of a framework trade deal, fixing tariffs on European imports to the US at 15%.
- The reactions of European capitals to this were mixed, and the European Parliament also criticised the EU for making excessive concessions.
- Previously, the US had threatened to impose 30% tariffs on European goods, while the EU had hoped to maintain the main tariff rate at 10%.
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