EU Leader Downplays Criticism of US Trade Deal
(MENAFN) European Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen has sought to downplay the mounting disapproval surrounding the European Union’s latest trade accord with the United States.
The contentious arrangement places the majority of the bloc’s exports under a 15% tariff, while sparing American products from reciprocal levies.
The EU-US pact was concluded on Sunday during a gathering with US President Donald Trump at one of his golf resorts in Scotland.
“15% is not to be underestimated, but it is the best we could get,” von der Leyen commented when questioned by journalists on whether the agreement provided any benefit for European car manufacturers.
This settlement avoids the impending 30% tariff that Trump had vowed to implement by August 1.
Nonetheless, it significantly underdelivers compared to the EU’s initial pitch for complete tariff elimination on both sides of the trade.
Trump has consistently charged the EU with taking advantage of trade loopholes, citing issues like VAT inconsistencies and legal obstacles.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that the tariff threats were intended to “light a fire under the EU.”
After talks broke down earlier this year, Trump intensified his pressure by introducing a 25% levy on automobiles, a 50% duty on steel and aluminum, and by warning of a 30% sweeping tariff if no agreement was reached before August.
The resulting deal has sparked political outrage throughout the union. French Premier Francois Bayrou labeled it a “dark day” and a display of “submission.”
Hungarian leader Viktor Orban reportedly joked that “Donald Trump ate Ursula von der Leyen for breakfast.”
Multiple commercial organizations have condemned the accord as a “capitulation.”
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