European Parliament revives US trade deal, vote set for Thursday
The European Parliament’s International Trade Committee will vote on the trade agreement between the European Union and the United States on Thursday. Negotiators confirmed the move on Tuesday, after previously putting the deal on hold amid uncertainty over US tariffs.
The agreement was concluded last summer by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and US president Donald Trump. It offers Washington the prospect of zero tariffs on industrial goods exports, alongside increased market access for certain fishery and agricultural products. The deal requires approval from Members of the European Parliament.
Safeguards and delays
In February, negotiators from the various political groups agreed on additional safeguards. These included a “sunset clause”, limiting the arrangement to 31 March 2028, and provisions allowing the Commission to suspend tariff concessions if the US fails to honour its commitments or if serious harm threatens European industry.
However, the process was paused after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on 20 February that global US import tariffs were unlawful, followed by fresh tariff announcements from Trump. Earlier, in January, MEPs had already suspended proceedings after Trump threatened tariffs on countries sending troops to Greenland.
Process resumes amid political concerns
On Tuesday, it was decided to resume the approval process after the addition of a “sunrise clause”, requested by the Socialists and Democrats (S&D). This safeguard makes the agreement’s entry into force conditional on clear and enforceable terms.
Following Thursday’s committee vote, the full Parliament will also need to approve the agreement. This could take place either next week in Brussels or during the plenary session in Strasbourg at the end of April.
Kathleen Van Brempt, deputy chair of the Trade Committee for Vooruit and the S&D group, said that the text has been strengthened on key points, but warned that broader concerns remain. Her group “indicated from the start that for us, this is tied to a broader discussion regarding the threats from the US and the way the EU deals with them.”
While she said progress can now be made, she added that further clarity is needed before a final vote. That vote will only take place after negotiations with member states to reach a common position. “If the Commission asks for a blank check to continue bowing to Trump, then the answer is clearly no,” she said.
Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen sit during a bilateral meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States, September 23, 2025. © PHOTO HANS LUCAS COLLECTION
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