The Trade Committee voted by a large majority in favor of the proposal to agree subject to two additional conditions. This clears the way for a decision by the full Parliament, which will soon deliberate on the agreement.
The agreement, previously concluded by Commission President Von der Leyen and US President Trump, focuses on lowering import duties between the European Union and the United States. Tariffs on industrial and agricultural products would especially be eliminated or significantly reduced.
Guarantees in Advance
However, the Parliament does not want to approve without guarantees. MEPs emphasize that benefits for American products should only begin once the United States fulfills its previously made promises. Therefore, an important condition has been included: the so-called 'sunrise clause'.
Promotion
Additionally, European parliamentarians want to retain the right to quickly suspend the agreement. If the United States adopts new trade measures or fails to comply with the agreements, the EU must be able to intervene immediately. They want to prevent President Trump from imposing all kinds of political conditions.
Essential
This suspension possibility is seen as essential. The Parliament wants to prevent European companies from being disadvantaged while American products already benefit from lower tariffs.
Protection is also emphasized in specific sectors such as steel and aluminum. MEPs want existing trade barriers to be reduced before further steps are taken.
Far From Over
Consideration of the agreement had previously been delayed. Tensions and new US measures caused the process to be temporarily halted when President Trump threatened military actions against Greenland.
With the recent vote, the process seems to be moving again. Still, the final outcome remains uncertain, as Parliament will only make a definitive judgment after further negotiations and guarantees.