Major crisis between the EU and the US: the trade deal, blocked after the tariffs announced by Trump. “It's just outrageous”
The European Union and the United States are facing a new trade crisis after President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on European countries that contributed troops to a military deployment in Greenland.
Manfred Weber, president of the European People's Party (EPP) PHOTO: FB
The rates will be 10% and will rise to 25% from June 1, to remain in place “until a full agreement is concluded for the purchase of Greenland,” a Trump announced.
This decision immediately caused a strong reaction in Brussels. The European Parliament has announced that it will not move forward with the ratification of the EU-US trade agreement signed in July 2025, which provided for the elimination of tariffs on European exports in exchange for the imposition of a 15% tax on American imports, writes Politico.
The decision jeopardizes the trade truce between the two blocs and opens up the possibility of major economic tensions.
“We are in favor of the EU-US trade deal, but given Donald Trump's threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage. The 0% tariffs on US products must be suspended,” he sent Manfred Weber, President of the European People's Party (EPP).
S&D Vice President for Commerce Kathleen Van Brempt called the US action right “simply outrageous” and emphasized the coercive nature of the decision.
“It is simply outrageous that Donald Trump is using tariffs and economic threats to impose an illegitimate territorial claim,” Van Brempt said in a statement. Approving the trade agreement, she added, “it would not be pragmatic, but simply irresponsible”.
“Tariff threats are unacceptable and do not take place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner if they are confirmed. We will ensure respect for European sovereignty. In this spirit I will work with our European partners”, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated and committed to upholding its sovereignty”said the head of the EU, Ursula von der Leyen, according to skynews.
The European Parliament is set to confirm the blocking of the trade deal in a meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
“There is no chance that the European Parliament will approve the tariff deal under these conditions. The EU must be ready to respond to Trump's tariff attacks, including those targeting Sweden,” said Karin Karlsboro, Renew's Swedish MP and trade coordinator.
