EU closing in on ‘framework’ trade deal with US to avoid Trump’s 50% tariffs
GuardianJUL 6
EU Trade Commissioner Travels to Washington Ahead of Tariff Deadline
Above: Flags of the U.S. and EU displayed on a phone in Krakow, Poland on Jan. 7, 2025. Image copyright: Porzycki/NurPhoto/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
The U.S. has long supported Europe, militarily and economically, but that generosity can’t be endless. The EU relies on American innovation while unfairly targeting U.S. goods and tech firms through discriminatory taxes and regulations. If Europe wants true partnership, it must stop exploiting this relationship and start meeting its obligations, or face the consequences. Rebalancing is well overdue.
Pro-Europe narrative
The EU must reject an asymmetrical trade deal that locks in higher US tariffs. By pursuing WTO action and preparing targeted retaliation, Brussels defends fair trade while remaining open to regulatory cooperation. Negotiations and diplomacy are the way forward to agree a sensible deal, and it is within everyone's best interests for a mutually beneficial agreement to be reached.