The European Parliament has moved to finalize a customs deal with the United States, initially negotiated last summer, but has imposed a series of conditions that must be met for the agreement to proceed. Among these conditions is a stipulation that the deal will automatically expire in March 2028 unless the European Union decides otherwise. This move reflects the Parliament's strategy to maintain leverage in negotiations and ensure that the deal aligns with EU interests in the long term.

Additionally, the EU Parliament has underscored that the deal would be suspended immediately if the United States threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the EU, as emphasized by the chair of the budget committee, Bernd Lange. This stance indicates a commitment to safeguard EU interests in the face of potential US aggression or unilateral actions. The conditions set by the Parliament signify a cautious approach to international trade deals, particularly in light of previous tensions in transatlantic relations.

The final decision on the deal is expected by the end of February, when the budget committee will formally vote on whether to proceed with the customs pact. The outcome of this vote is significant not only for EU-US relations but also for the broader context of international trade, where protective measures and clear timelines are becoming increasingly relevant amid global uncertainties.