Brussels, Belgium. The European Parliament has delayed until next week a decision on whether to resume work on the EU’s trade deal with the United States, which it suspended in protest at President Donald Trump’s demands to acquire Greenland and threats of tariffs.
Decision postponed to next week
The parliament’s trade committee had been due to set its position in votes on Monday and Tuesday, and the assembly’s president, Roberta Metsola, said last week discussions could resume soon to get the process back on track. However, German Social Democrat lawmaker Bernd Lange, who chairs the trade committee, said in a social media post on Monday that no decision had been taken.
“European Parliament negotiating team will meet again next Wednesday, 4 February, to reassess the situation,” he wrote, adding that a decision needed to be made in time for the next committee meeting on February 23-24.
Calls for mutual respect in trade talks
Swedish Liberal Karin Karlsbro said improved US-EU trade relations were vital but needed to be built on mutual respect. “The door is open, but there is no need to rush the timetable,” she said in a statement.
Tariff risks and limited scope for concessions
Any move to significantly delay or freeze the deal would risk angering Trump, which could lead to higher US tariffs. The Trump administration has also ruled out concessions, such as cutting tariffs on spirits or steel, until the deal is in place.
Trade measures under debate
The EU assembly has been debating legislative proposals to remove many EU import duties on US goods, a key part of the agreement struck in Turnberry, Scotland, at the end of July, as well as to continue zero duties for US lobsters, initially agreed with Trump in 2020. The proposals require approval by the parliament and EU governments.
Concerns over balance of the agreement
Many lawmakers have complained that the trade deal is lopsided, with the EU required to cut most import duties while the US sticks to a broad rate of 15%. However, they had previously appeared willing to accept it, albeit with conditions, such as an 18-month sunset clause and measures to respond to possible surges of US imports.
What do you think the European Parliament should prioritise as it reassesses the EU-US trade deal next week?
