Top MEP issues Trump ultimatum ahead of final US trade deal talks

MEPs need cast-iron “guarantees” that the Trump administration will not be able to renege on its promises before they can agree to sign off the EU-US trade deal, the parliament’s lead negotiator has told EUobserver in an interview.  

Speaking with EUobserver ahead of crunch negotiations with EU ministers and the European Commission on Tuesday (19 May), Bernd Lange, the German social democrat who has chaired the international trade committee since 2014, stated that “we need guarantees ensuring that tariffs will not exceed 15 percent”. 

Despite being pressured by the commission for a quick sign off on the EU-US trade agreement struck by Ursula von der Leyen and president Trump last summer, MEPs have insisted on a series of safeguards, the agreement of which is at the heart of the trilogue talks.

These include a review clause and the prospect of suspending the removal of tariffs on US goods if Washington were to impose additional tariffs exceeding the agreed 15-percent ceiling, or any new duties on EU goods.  

The proposed new regime will also depend on the US keeping its word to lower its tariffs on EU products with a steel and aluminium content below 50 percent to a maximum of 15 percent. 

The tariff deal will last until March 2028, with any extension depending on an “thorough impact-assessment”, say MEPs. 

Truth Social threats

Like other EU officials, Lange’s parliamentary delegation has had to deal with the US president’s use of megaphone diplomacy via his social media accounts. 

“He often publishes threats, remarks or discussion points that ultimately do not materialise in practice,” commented Lange of Trump’s tactics. 

After shutting out the background noise, the European Parliament’s responsibility “is to establish legislation that provides sufficient safety nets for European producers and safeguards jobs across Europe,” he added. 

The EU’s legal framework implementing the trade and investment agreement must be “legally-robust and able to withstand judicial scrutiny. That is why it is so important that we create a well-designed and comprehensive framework.” 

Lange says that the safeguard mechanism is a “key aspect” of the parliament’s demands.

It features a monitoring system of the economic consequences resulting from tariff reductions on US products, improving data collection and ensuring the legislation is implemented within a clear and coherent framework.  

Of the suspension clause, Lange says that the EU needs “clear criteria that would allow the European Union to swiftly re-establish tariffs should there be disruptions or breaches by the United States regarding the Scotland agreement.”  

The deal was signed at Trump’s golf course in Scotland, Turnberry.