Brussels hits back: European Parliament suspends US trade agreement over tariff threats
The European Parliament has moved to suspend the ratification of the trade agreement between the European Union and the United States. This decision follows recent tariff threats from US President Donald Trump, as confirmed on Tuesday by major parliamentary groups.
A majority consensus was reached to freeze the deal, which was finalized last year. Iratxe Garcia Perez, leader of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, told reporters that the political groups have united to halt the process in response to the escalating tensions.
The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest bloc in the Parliament, confirmed the suspension. The agreement, concluded last summer, established a 15% customs duty on European exports to the US while eliminating duties on American goods entering the EU market.
A powerful strategic lever
"Denying American companies tariff-free access to the European market is a very powerful instrument," stated Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP. He emphasized that the EU must protect its interests against unilateral pressure.
Valerie Hayer, head of the Renew Europe group, echoed this sentiment, describing the access to the European market as an "exceptionally powerful strategic lever." She expressed doubt that US businesses would be willing to walk away from such a significant trade zone.
However, the decision met resistance from the far-right. Nicola Procaccini, co-leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), argued that freezing the deal is a "mistake." Meanwhile, the "Patriots for Europe" group, led by Jordan Bardella, supported the suspension.
The Greenland dispute
This legislative freeze effectively blocks the deal’s implementation. The move comes after President Trump threatened several European nations—including France, Germany, and the Nordic countries—with additional tariffs unless an agreement is reached for the "full and total purchase of Greenland."
The US administration announced a 10% surcharge effective February 1, which could escalate to 25% by June 1 of this year. By halting the trade deal, Brussels aims to gain diplomatic leverage before these deadlines.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
