Feb 23 β€’ 10:57 UTC πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ Norway Aftenposten

Bloomberg: EU Parliament delays approval of trade agreement with the USA

The EU Parliament has decided to postpone the ratification of a trade agreement with the USA while seeking more information about the Trump administration's new tariff program.

The European Parliament has announced that it will delay the ratification of a trade agreement with the United States, citing a need for more information regarding the new tariff program introduced by the Trump administration. This decision reflects concerns among the Parliament's largest political groups, including the European People's Party (EPP), the Social Democratic Party, and the liberal Renew group. They have indicated that without additional clarity on the trade implications, they believe postponing the agreement is the only sensible course of action.

Zeljana Zovko, the EPP's chief negotiator on trade issues, emphasized the necessity of this delay in an interview with Bloomberg, stating, "We have no other choice." The stance of the EPP and supporting groups highlights the cautious approach that European lawmakers are taking in light of potential changes to trade policies and tariffs that may be enacted by the U.S. government. This move may further complicate transatlantic trade relations, which have been under strain due to various geopolitical factors.

As the EU seeks more clarity on the American trade stance, this development poses implications for global trade dynamics, particularly as the U.S. administration continues to reshape its economic policies. The delay could signify a period of negotiation where both sides will have to engage in dialogue to address these concerns, impacting bilateral trade flows and economic cooperation between the regions.

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