Legal Uncertainty Sparks Parliamentary Freeze
The European Parliament has suspended its work on the 2025 EU-US trade agreement following a US Supreme Court ruling that deemed some of Washington’s tariffs illegal. The decision prompted President Donald Trump to announce new 15% import duties, leaving European lawmakers questioning the deal’s validity. German MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the parliamentary trade committee, said the “legal basis has totally changed” and called for a clear commitment from the US before the pact can move forward.
Deal Faces Criticism and History of Delays
Originally signed in July 2025 by Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, the agreement had already faced criticism for favoring the US, locking in 15% tariffs on EU exports while allowing most American goods duty-free entry. Lawmakers had previously frozen the deal after Trump threatened tariffs on several EU countries over Greenland negotiations. A planned parliamentary vote has now been postponed as MEPs demand legal clarity and assurances that the US will honor the agreement long-term.
EU Pushes for Diplomatic Solutions
EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič met with Parliament negotiators and held discussions with US Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to address the crisis. He also spoke with G7 counterparts to stabilize the situation, stressing that “a deal is a deal” and must be respected. The Supreme Court ruling, combined with Trump’s aggressive trade agenda aimed at reshoring US industry, has left the future of the EU-US trade pact uncertain.
