Get you up to speed: EU lawmakers react to Trump’s new tariffs by suspending trade agreement
EU lawmakers decided on Monday to suspend the EU-US trade agreement after the United States Supreme Court ruled last week that tariffs imposed by Washington in 2025 were illegal. President Donald Trump subsequently announced new 15% duties on imports.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who had clinched the deal with Trump in July 2025, is facing backlash, with many in Europe viewing the agreement as lopsided. This disagreement follows previous tensions, including Trump’s threats over Greenland acquisition.
The European Parliament, which has control over implementing the deal, had scheduled a vote for Tuesday that is now effectively cancelled. EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič is working with G7 counterparts to manage the fallout from Trump’s latest tariff announcement.
What we know so far
MEPs freeze EU-US trade deal over latest Trump threats
EU lawmakers have opted to suspend the EU-US trade agreement in light of the United States Supreme Court ruling that the tariffs imposed by Washington in 2025 were illegal. Following this decision, President Donald Trump announced fresh 15% duties on imports.
The trade deal, finalised in July 2025 by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, is considered unbalanced by many in Europe. The agreement allows for 15% US tariffs on EU exports while offering zero-duty access for many American goods entering the European bloc.
Previously, MEPs had already frozen the deal after Trump threatened tariffs if EU countries did not comply with his Greenland acquisition ambitions. Amidst these rising tensions, a parliamentary vote originally planned for Tuesday has now been scrapped.
On Monday afternoon, Parliament’s negotiators held an extraordinary meeting with EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič to discuss the situation. Šefčovič also communicated with his G7 counterparts, aiming to address concerns raised by the latest US tariff announcement.
“I restated that full respect for the EU-US deal is paramount. Staying in touch with my counterparts to secure reassurances,” Šefčovič stated on X after the meeting.
The situation continues to evolve following Trump’s aggressive trade strategy since returning to power, which has included reshoring US industry and increasing Treasury revenues.