EU Summit Takes Unexpected Turn as Trump Axes Tariffs, Paves Way for Trade Deal Renewal
In a dramatic reversal, US President Donald Trump backed down from his threat to impose tariffs on European goods, marking a significant climbdown in the trade tensions between Washington and Brussels. The decision has breathed new life into stalled trade talks between the two sides, with EU leaders now pushing for a swift ratification of the long-dated EU-US trade deal.
Initially called to discuss the bloc's anticoercion instrument against the US, the EU summit instead became a platform for Trump to address his tariffs. However, in a surprising move, he abandoned his threat, opening up channels for renewed negotiations. The shift has sent shockwaves through Brussels, with EU leaders now seeking a swift ratification of the stalled trade deal.
The move is seen as a major concession by Trump, who had been ratcheting up pressure on Europe over issues including agriculture and energy. With talks having resumed regarding Greenland, the US president's decision marks a significant shift in tone from the escalating tensions that dominated recent weeks.
As EU leaders close ranks behind renewed efforts to finalize the trade deal, Brussels is now looking towards the European Parliament for approval. The move sets the stage for a swift ratification of the agreement, with EU officials hailing the development as a major breakthrough.
Trump's climbdown has sent ripples across markets and economies, with investors taking heart from the shift in tone. However, critics remain wary, cautioning that the US president's moves may be part of a broader strategy to extract concessions on issues such as agriculture. As negotiations resume, Brussels will be watching closely, eager to ensure that any new agreement secures better terms for European farmers and businesses.
In a dramatic reversal, US President Donald Trump backed down from his threat to impose tariffs on European goods, marking a significant climbdown in the trade tensions between Washington and Brussels. The decision has breathed new life into stalled trade talks between the two sides, with EU leaders now pushing for a swift ratification of the long-dated EU-US trade deal.
Initially called to discuss the bloc's anticoercion instrument against the US, the EU summit instead became a platform for Trump to address his tariffs. However, in a surprising move, he abandoned his threat, opening up channels for renewed negotiations. The shift has sent shockwaves through Brussels, with EU leaders now seeking a swift ratification of the stalled trade deal.
The move is seen as a major concession by Trump, who had been ratcheting up pressure on Europe over issues including agriculture and energy. With talks having resumed regarding Greenland, the US president's decision marks a significant shift in tone from the escalating tensions that dominated recent weeks.
As EU leaders close ranks behind renewed efforts to finalize the trade deal, Brussels is now looking towards the European Parliament for approval. The move sets the stage for a swift ratification of the agreement, with EU officials hailing the development as a major breakthrough.
Trump's climbdown has sent ripples across markets and economies, with investors taking heart from the shift in tone. However, critics remain wary, cautioning that the US president's moves may be part of a broader strategy to extract concessions on issues such as agriculture. As negotiations resume, Brussels will be watching closely, eager to ensure that any new agreement secures better terms for European farmers and businesses.