OR European Union (Ee) He succumbed to Donald Trump’s pressures. On Sunday, July 27, European Commission President Ursula von der Laienne announced a trade agreement with the US president to impose a 15% duty on most European products imported to the United States.
The meeting took place in Turnbury, Scotland, in the luxurious Golf complex owned by Donald Trump, after several days of intense negotiations. The US president described the US-EU agreement as the “biggest ever to be done”, while Ursula von der Laien, though less enthusiastic, stressed the importance of avoiding the 30% duty on August 1.
Between two bad scenarios, the “27” chose what seemed to them the smallest: an unequal compromise for the benefit of the United States, instead of the risk of an extensive trade war with unpredictable ending, the newspaper writes The world.
Unequal but necessary agreement
The deal mainly concerns cars, semiconductors and medicinal products – although initially the latter were excluded. On the other hand, some products such as airplanes, aeronautical components, certain chemicals and agricultural products are excluded from duties.
This agreement also allows the EU’s suspension to be suspended, which would include increased tariffs on US products totaling € 93 billion from August 7.
Agreement with broader consequences
In addition to duties, the EU is committed to buying US energy products worth $ 750 billion and investing $ 600 billion in the US, and a purchase of US military equipment is also planned – without specifying specific amounts. As Le Monde notes, these commitments go beyond the Commission’s responsibilities.
Despite the criticism of an “asymmetric” agreement, von der Layen defended the decision as “manageable” for most areas. However, the Federation of the German Industry (BDI) said the duties are “painful” and will seriously affect the German export industry.
Between diplomatic prudence and resignation
Some member states, such as France, wanted a tougher attitude. But others, more exposed financially or anxiously for a possible American distancing to security issues, preferred to avoid rupture. Germany, Ireland and Italy are among the largest exporters to the US in 2024.
Donald Trump assured that this deal is “terminating” trade negotiations for the coming years. But Europeans remain cautious. “We have to bend our head,” commented a European diplomat cited by Le Monde. Because with today’s White House tenant, unpredictable behavior is considered a given.