The postponement concerns a planned vote by the European Parliament on the removal of previously imposed import duties on American industrial goods. That vote was scheduled for January 26 and forms a crucial part of a recent trade agreement between Brussels and Washington.
Leading Members of the European Parliament from the Trade Committee have decided not to proceed with the vote for the time being. They first want clarity on the American stance regarding the Danish overseas territory of Greenland. Without that clarity, they consider it impossible to bring the agreement to a vote.
Within the European Parliament there is division over the appropriate response. Some MEPs want to freeze the tariff agreement as long as the American threats continue. Others warn that postponement could harm economic relations between the European Union and the United States.
In Brussels, it was now agreed to also postpone the decision on whether or not to delay the vote itself. It was emphasized that a clear American position on Greenland is necessary before further steps can be taken. This is pending meetings between representatives from Washington, Nuuk, and Copenhagen that will take place in the coming days.
The chair of the International Trade Committee indicated that discussions will continue at a later time. Thus, it remains unclear whether the parliament will still take a position on the proposed tariff reductions in a timely manner.
The political groups differ in opinion about the strategy. Some groups advocate cooperation with the United States, while others believe the parliament should act more firmly and not yield to American pressure.
The tariff agreement provides for the European Union to adopt legislation to reduce import duties on American industrial goods. In return, Washington would reduce import duties on European cars. Due to the ongoing postponement, it is unclear when a final decision on this will be taken.