The European Commissioner for Trade, Maros Sefcovic, met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Paris today to urge the American administration to adhere to the trade agreement signed last July. The meeting follows recent threats from President Donald Trump to impose a 25% tariff on European cars and trucks, alleging that the European Union is in violation of the deal struck at his Turnberry golf club in Scotland.
During the ninety-minute session, Sefcovic detailed the EU’s ratification timeline and called for a swift return to the agreed-upon 15% general tariff rate, including specific exclusions previously negotiated. A spokesperson for the European Commission noted the importance of stabilizing the agreement’s core features before its one-year anniversary.
Both parties agreed to intensify political and technical dialogue, focusing on a “positive agenda” involving critical raw materials and the protection of the steel industry.
The trade deal, established in July 2025, was designed to set a 15% tariff on most European exports to the U.S. while eliminating various American duties on European industrial goods. However, the ratification process faced a setback when the European Parliament suspended proceedings following Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.
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Negotiations between the Parliament and the European Council are set to resume this Wednesday, with MEPs pushing for new “sunrise” and “suspension” clauses.
Under these proposed conditions, the reduced tariffs would only become effective if the U.S. respects its commitments, specifically limiting customs duties on products with low steel and aluminum content.
Additionally, a “sunset” clause would see the agreement expire on March 31, 2028, unless an impact assessment justifies an extension. Brussels remains committed to the negotiation process while seeking robust safeguards to ensure American compliance with the Turnberry terms.
