Leaders from France and Germany have reacted negatively to the recent trade deal between the EU and the US, struck by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and President Trump. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the agreement would "substantially damage" Germany's finances. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou described the deal as a move towards "submission."
Reactions across the EU have been largely somber, despite some countries conceding that signing such a deal was preferable to facing an escalated trade war. The deal sets a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US—half of what was originally threatened by Trump—and includes a commitment from Europe to purchase more American energy while reducing taxes on certain imports.
Following discussions at Trump’s golf course in Scotland, von der Leyen hailed the agreement as a "huge deal," while Trump claimed it would strengthen ties between the US and the EU. Approval from all 27 EU member states is needed for the deal to take effect, reflecting various national interests regarding exports to the US.
Interestingly, no member state has indicated intentions to obstruct the deal, but a celebratory atmosphere is notably absent among EU leaders. Merz cautioned that both the US and EU economies would face negative impacts while acknowledging the negotiations achieved what was possible under a resolute US administration.
Bayrou's comments were more severe, calling it a "dark day" for an alliance meant to defend shared values and interests. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Trump ally, remarked that the US president had "eaten von der Leyen for breakfast," highlighting the perceived imbalance in negotiations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed reluctant support for the agreement. In the weeks leading up to the talks, some European leaders had advocated for increased pressure on Trump through anti-coercion measures designed to restrict US companies' access to European markets. However, with looming threats of 30% tariffs, the EU ultimately chose to negotiate, resulting in less punitive terms than originally feared.
While von der Leyen sought to frame the agreement as a triumph, even Manfred Weber, the leader of her political group, referred to it as "damage control." Although the deal’s framework has been established, technical discussions will finalize the specifics, and amidst the skepticism, there is a sense of relief in Europe.
Finland's Prime Minister noted that the deal would bring "much-needed predictability," while Ireland's Trade Minister Simon Harris stated it offered crucial certainty for jobs and investment. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic defended the terms, describing it as "the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances." He also highlighted that maintaining strong trade relations with the US is vital amid current geopolitical challenges, particularly in relation to the situation in Ukraine.
