Legal Uncertainty Halts Implementation
European Parliament negotiators have paused the EU-US trade agreement after a recent US Supreme Court ruling questioned the legality of tariffs imposed in 2025. The court found that President Donald Trump had exceeded his authority by imposing duties without Congress under emergency powers. In response, Trump announced fresh 15% tariffs on imports, leaving the pact’s future in doubt. German MEP Bernd Lange, who chairs the parliamentary trade committee, stressed that the legal framework had “totally changed” and that a clear statement from Washington is needed before the deal can move forward.
Parliament Demands Clear Commitments
The deal, negotiated in July 2025 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, had already faced criticism in Europe for heavily favoring the US. It locks in 15% US tariffs on EU exports while granting mostly duty-free access to American goods. MEPs, who must approve the agreement, had previously frozen the deal after Trump threatened tariffs over Greenland, and the planned vote this week has now been postponed until further clarity is provided.
EU Pushes for Diplomatic Solutions
EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič met with Parliament negotiators and held talks with US counterparts Howard Lutnick and Jamieson Greer to address the latest tariff announcements. Šefčovič also consulted with G7 trade ministers, emphasizing that respecting the agreed 15% tariff structure is essential. While Washington pursues a strategy to bolster domestic industry and federal revenue, the Supreme Court ruling has added uncertainty, leaving the EU-US trade deal temporarily on ice.
