Feb 24 • 14:34 UTC 🇫🇷 France Le Figaro

"A capitulation": what does the commercial 'deal' with Donald Trump really contain that the EU threatens to abandon?

The article discusses the controversial trade deal between the EU and the US, negotiated under pressure from Donald Trump, which many in Europe view as a humiliation.

The article examines the trade deal between the European Union and the United States, concluded in July 2025, which has been criticized as a significant capitulation by European leaders. Negotiated under intense pressure from Donald Trump, the deal was considered a humiliation for Europe, as it included the elimination of tariffs on all American industrial products in exchange for a minimum tariff on a majority of European exports. This unequal bargaining situation sparked widespread outrage across Europe, with many viewing the agreement as emblematic of a broader power imbalance in transatlantic relations.

Furthermore, the article delves into the specifics of the deal, highlighting the implications for European industries and their competitiveness in the US market. With the removal of tariffs on American goods, there are concerns among European manufacturers about their ability to withstand new influxes of US products without the protectiveness of tariffs. The perceived inequity of the agreement coupled with fears of economic repercussions has led to calls within the EU to reconsider or potentially abandon the deal altogether, as sentiments around national sovereignty and economic independence grow stronger.

With the recent political shifts and increased scrutiny on international trade agreements, the article suggests that the future of the deal remains uncertain. Should the EU decide to step back, it would not only reshape economic strategies between the US and Europe but could also signal a larger trend of reconsideration in how trade negotiations are handled, reflecting changing attitudes towards external pressures and the prioritization of regional versus international interests.

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