Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Uncertainty
European Parliament negotiators have paused the EU-US trade agreement after a recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court declared some 2025 tariffs imposed by Washington illegal. In response, President Donald Trump announced new 15% duties on imports, escalating tensions and casting doubt on the validity of the pact. German MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the parliamentary trade committee, said the legal framework had “totally changed” and stressed the need for clear assurances from the US before moving forward.
EU Demands Clarity on Deal Terms
The agreement, struck in July 2025 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, locks in 15% US tariffs on EU exports while giving American goods largely duty-free access to the bloc. Previously criticized as skewed in favor of Washington, the deal had already been frozen once after Trump threatened additional tariffs over Greenland. A parliamentary vote scheduled for Tuesday has now been shelved pending clearer commitments from the US.
Diplomatic Talks Aim to Calm the Situation
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič met with MEPs in an extraordinary session and held discussions with US Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer over the weekend. Šefčovič also consulted with G7 partners, emphasizing that respecting the 15% tariff framework is critical. He expressed hope that Parliament could vote to implement the agreement during its March plenary session, even as Washington’s aggressive trade agenda and the Supreme Court’s ruling leave the deal’s future uncertain.
