European Parliament Blocks US Trade Deal Amid US Tariff Threats and Greenland Negotiations
The European parliament has formally put its ratification of a landmark US trade deal on hold, citing a dispute over Donald Trump's threats to impose 10% tariffs on EU exports unless the bloc agrees to let him take control of Greenland. The move is seen as a significant escalation in tensions between Brussels and Washington, with EU lawmakers expressing outrage at what they called "blackmail".
According to Bernd Lange, head of the European parliament trade committee, the pause will remain until Trump's threats on Greenland are addressed. This stance has sparked concerns that any compromise on ratifying the US deal is unlikely until the situation in Greenland is resolved.
Despite this, EU leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement, which promises Americans a new era of 0% tariffs on many industrial exports. The decision also appears to be linked to Trump's ongoing efforts to renegotiate the trade pact, with some lawmakers expressing concerns that the US president is attempting to use Greenland as leverage.
In response to the EU's move, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, has called an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss possible options for the bloc. These could include imposing tariffs worth €93 billion (£81 billion) on US exports or activating a never-before-used anti-coercion instrument aimed at limiting US businesses' access to the EU market.
While some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the potential impact of such measures, EU officials argue that they will need to be considered in order to protect European interests. The move has been widely condemned by car manufacturers and other industry groups, which warn that a trade war with the US would lead to higher costs for consumers.
As tensions between Brussels and Washington continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks. With just 30 days left before Trump's tariff threats are due to take effect, EU lawmakers are facing an increasingly difficult decision about whether to prioritize diplomatic relations with their US counterparts or stand firm on their principles.
The European parliament has formally put its ratification of a landmark US trade deal on hold, citing a dispute over Donald Trump's threats to impose 10% tariffs on EU exports unless the bloc agrees to let him take control of Greenland. The move is seen as a significant escalation in tensions between Brussels and Washington, with EU lawmakers expressing outrage at what they called "blackmail".
According to Bernd Lange, head of the European parliament trade committee, the pause will remain until Trump's threats on Greenland are addressed. This stance has sparked concerns that any compromise on ratifying the US deal is unlikely until the situation in Greenland is resolved.
Despite this, EU leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement, which promises Americans a new era of 0% tariffs on many industrial exports. The decision also appears to be linked to Trump's ongoing efforts to renegotiate the trade pact, with some lawmakers expressing concerns that the US president is attempting to use Greenland as leverage.
In response to the EU's move, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, has called an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss possible options for the bloc. These could include imposing tariffs worth €93 billion (£81 billion) on US exports or activating a never-before-used anti-coercion instrument aimed at limiting US businesses' access to the EU market.
While some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the potential impact of such measures, EU officials argue that they will need to be considered in order to protect European interests. The move has been widely condemned by car manufacturers and other industry groups, which warn that a trade war with the US would lead to higher costs for consumers.
As tensions between Brussels and Washington continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks. With just 30 days left before Trump's tariff threats are due to take effect, EU lawmakers are facing an increasingly difficult decision about whether to prioritize diplomatic relations with their US counterparts or stand firm on their principles.
, and I gotta say, I'm kinda rooting for them 
! All this drama over Greenland is just ridiculous 
, like what's the point of threatening tariffs on €93 billion worth of goods? It's not like they're gonna let the US just swoop in and take control of their frozen island 
. The EU needs to stand firm on its principles and protect its interests 
, even if it means imposing some tariffs or taking other measures 
. I mean, who wants a trade war with the US? Not me 
! It's all about protecting European consumers from higher prices 
. Let's hope Ursula von der Leyen and her team can figure out a solution that works for everyone 
#EUStrong #TradeWarAvoidance #GreenlandDrama
This whole Greenland thing is getting out of hand 
. I mean, what even is the deal here? US wants control over a tiny island and in return, they want 0% tariffs on industrial exports? It sounds like a bad joke 
. And now the EU is considering retaliatory measures, which could lead to a trade war that would hurt consumers everywhere 
. Can't we just talk this out? 
I'm not sure what's more concerning, Trump's threats or the fact that some lawmakers are actually okay with giving up their country's interests for a sweet deal 
.
. And now this trade deal stuff? It's just a bunch of backroom politics 
? But until then, I'm just gonna sit back and watch this train wreck 
.
I'm so worried about this trade deal. If they can't agree on Greenland, what does that say about their ability to work together? 
I just hope some sense will prevail and they can find a way forward that doesn't involve hurting innocent consumers. 
IS THERE GOING TO BE A TRADE WAR?! 
ANYWAY, I HOPE THEY FIGURE OUT A WAY TO RESOLVE THIS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! 
I think its a big mistake if they go through with imposing tariffs on US goods. That wouldnt be good for anyone 
car manufacturers and industry groups are already warning about the costs to consumers so lets not forget that this isn't just about politics this is about people's lives
Theres no way they can just give in like that! Im all for protecting European interests and if thats means taking a stand against tariffs and getting tough on the US, then so be it 
What's next? Are they gonna start negotiating with Trump over some secret deal behind closed doors?! 
and whats next gonna be canada or somethin? 
Donald Trump is playing games with Greenland and the EU is getting all worked up. Newsflash: there's a bigger picture here and it's not just about some tiny island 
in the middle of nowhere. The US trade deal is still a solid agreement that benefits both sides - 0% tariffs on industrial exports? Sounds like a no-brainer to me! 
And now they're talking about tariffs? That's just a recipe for disaster 
. I mean, who wants to pay more for stuff when there are already so many other problems going on in the world? 
