Brussel, Mar 26 : The European Parliament on Thursday approved legislation to implement a long-negotiated trade framework with the United States, attaching a series of safeguards aimed at protecting European interests amid lingering concerns over Washington’s tariff policies.
Lawmakers backed the measure by 417 votes to 154, with 71 abstentions, marking a significant step toward formalising the agreement. The legislation, however, still requires endorsement from all 27 EU member states before it can take effect.
The deal establishes a 15% tariff ceiling on most EU exports to the US, down from the earlier 30% level threatened by US President Donald Trump. In return, the European Union has committed to removing import duties on American industrial goods and boosting investment flows into the US economy, while Washington is expected to maintain tariff discipline and expand market access for European products.
To address political and economic risks, Members of the European Parliament introduced multiple conditional safeguards. These include a suspension mechanism if US tariffs exceed agreed limits, a sovereignty clause allowing the EU to halt the deal in case of geopolitical pressure, and a “sunrise clause” tying European concessions to US compliance. A “sunset clause” sets the agreement’s expiry date at March 31, 2028.
Tensions remain over US duties on metals. EU lawmakers insisted that existing 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium-linked goods be removed or adjusted, particularly for products such as wind turbines and motorcycles, arguing that current measures undermine the spirit of the agreement.
The vote comes against the backdrop of a deeply intertwined transatlantic economic relationship. The EU and the US remain each other’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching approximately €1.6 trillion in 2024, accounting for nearly a third of global commerce.
Despite the approval, the deal faced criticism داخل the البرلمان. Some lawmakers described it as imbalanced and overly favourable to Washington, warning that uncertainty persists over whether the US will fully honour its commitments.
European Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels had received assurances from Washington but stressed vigilance, noting the bloc “will not turn a blind eye to any risks to our interests.” Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic called the vote a “crucial step” toward providing clarity for businesses.
Critics remained unconvinced. Bernd Lange argued the framework “is not really an agreement at all,” while Belgian lawmaker Kathleen Van Brempt said it fails to shield Europe from “tariffs, threats and coercion.”
The framework was originally negotiated during a meeting between Ursula von der Leyen and Trump at Turnberry, Scotland, where both sides hailed it as a major breakthrough.
Delays in parliamentary approval were driven by escalating trade tensions, including tariff threats, geopolitical disputes, and legal challenges within the US. As negotiations move toward final ratification, EU officials are also accelerating efforts to diversify trade ties with partners such as Australia and India, reducing reliance on any single market.
