EU Races to Finalize Trade Deal with U.S. as Trump Talks Tariffs
BRUSSELS — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a “good exchange” with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday as the European Union pushes to finalize a transatlantic trade deal before the July 9 deadline, an EU spokesperson confirmed Monday.
The talks come as the EU seeks to avoid a new round of U.S. tariffs set to take effect August 1, unless an agreement is reached. “We’re working towards the 9th of July as the point where we want to have at a minimum an agreement in principle,” said EU Commission spokesperson Olof Gill, adding that “good progress” was made during recent high-level meetings in Washington and ongoing consultations with EU member states.
The negotiations follow Washington’s imposition of “reciprocal” tariffs in April on most trading partners, which were suspended for 90 days to allow room for talks. While the EU declined to comment on reports that Trump’s administration would begin issuing formal tariff letters this week, officials reiterated their commitment to reaching a deal that benefits both sides and supports global economic stability.
