The 'no' to the trade agreement with the US advances in the European Parliament: the PPE, socialists and liberals will "presumably" vote against
The European Parliament is increasingly likely to reject or delay a trade agreement with the US due to uncertainties following a Supreme Court decision affecting Trump's tariff policy.
The European Parliament is moving towards a probable rejection or at least a delay of the trade agreement with the United States, as indicated by the positions of major political groups including the European People's Party (EPP), Socialists, and Liberals. These groups intend to vote against the ratification of the agreement, highlighting that the recent ruling by the Supreme Court has led to a lack of 'legal clarity' regarding the tariff policy established during Trump's administration. This situation has raised concerns that the agreement signed last summer may not be respected by the US, especially with Trump's recent comments that suggest otherwise.
Sources from the European People's Party underline that they will 'presumably vote against' until there is substantial legal clarity. They argue that approving an agreement that depends on a potentially changing political landscape in the US could be precarious. The original deal involved a 15% tariff on European products entering the US, while US goods would face no tariffs in Europe. Given the current political tensions and uncertain legal standing, the coalition of parties in the European Parliament feels it cannot move forward with such an agreement at this time.
This situation underscores the broader implications of international trade relations and the complex nature of political agreements between the US and Europe. The conflict regarding tariff policies not only affects economic exchanges but could also signal a shift in cooperation between the EU and the US, depending on how both sides navigate the emerging legal and political challenges. As the Parliament deliberates, the outcome will hold significant weight for future trade negotiations and the stability of transatlantic relations.