Romania downs third drone in as many days, attributing the incidents to Russia, escalating tensions. Meanwhile, the EU manages a delicate trade balance with the US, facing new tariffs and a potentially inflammatory Google fine amid fragile truce.
The EU is preparing for new US tariffs on forced labor, expected soon, as long as they don't exceed the 15% cap set by the 2025 Turnberry agreement. Despite disagreeing with US findings, the EU prioritizes agreement stability.
One year after the Turnberry trade deal, EU-US trade increased despite tariffs. The EU is meeting investment pledges, while both sides negotiate exemptions. The US is preparing new tariffs on forced labor and overcapacity, potentially continuing trade tensions.
The European Parliament approved legislation to implement the EU's trade deal with the US, removing tariffs on US industrial goods and agricultural products. The vote, 440 in favor, marks a final hurdle after repeated frustrations from the Trump administration.
German MEP Bernd Lange warns the Airbus-Boeing subsidy dispute could derail the EU-US trade agreement if tensions escalate. The five-year truce expires July 11, with no extension yet agreed, potentially leading to new tariffs.
The European Parliament's International Trade Committee approved an EU-US trade deal, with a final vote set for June 16. The deal includes safeguards against potential US tariff hikes, with a sunset clause extended to December 31, 2029, and a provision allowing the EU to suspend the agreement if US tariffs on steel and aluminum remain past 2026.
EU leaders reached a trade deal with Washington after five hours of difficult talks, avoiding immediate tariff consequences. However, the compromise involves significant EU concessions, increasing long-term reliance on the US and potentially impacting European sovereignty.
The Hormuz Strait crisis reveals a gap between having interests and possessing the power to protect them. Europe is impacted by energy disruptions but lacks decisive naval power, while Washington insists on shared responsibility for protection. Trade disputes and Greenland's strategic importance further complicate transatlantic relations, as Europe seeks a partnership not solely dictated by US threats.
EU lawmakers have reached a provisional deal on the EU-US trade agreement, including a safeguard mechanism to reimpose tariffs on US goods if market disruption occurs and a 'sunset clause' for renewal. Talks remain stalled over the 'sunrise clause' and compliance with the 15% tariff cap.
“There is no reason to unilaterally implement a deal if it is not respected by the other side,” EU affairs minister tells POLITICO.
EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič visits Washington this week to push for implementation of the July 2025 EU-US trade deal, specifically seeking removal of 50% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium exports now reduced to 15%. The deal's implementation has been delayed by MEPs, while the US Supreme Court ruled most 2025 tariffs illegal and Trump has threatened new tariffs over Greenland. Šefčovič will meet Greer, Lutnick and Bessent to ensure the US maintains its commitment.
EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič visits Washington on Thursday and Friday to discuss unlocking negotiations over EU steel and aluminium exports, still subject to 50% US tariffs imposed by Trump after his return to power. The 15% tariff deal agreed in July 2025 at Turnberry has stalled due to delayed EU implementation of broader trade accord cuts to US industrial goods. Šefčovič will meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Congressional members. The US has linked steel/aluminium tariff removal to EU digital rules relaxation for US Big Tech firms.
