European Parliament gives green light to EU-US trade deal

The European Parliament gave its final approval to legislation implementing the EU-US trade agreement reached nearly a year ago, paving the way for tariff reductions while introducing safeguards designed to protect European industry and agriculture.

Lawmakers adopted the main regulation by 440 votes to 151, with 50 abstentions, granting tariff-free access to all US industrial goods and preferential treatment for a range of American seafood and agricultural products, Anadolu Agency reports.

A second measure, approved by 444 votes to 152 with 54 abstentions, extends tariff-free imports of US lobster and broadens the arrangement to include processed lobster products.

The legislation formalizes commitments made under the joint statement agreed by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland, in July 2025.

The European Commission presented the corresponding proposals a month later, but their adoption required lengthy negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

During the legislative process, the Parliament and EU member states strengthened the Commission’s original proposal by introducing a number of protective provisions. These include a sunset clause under which tariff preferences will expire on December 31, 2029, unless renewed.

The agreed framework also authorizes the European Commission to suspend tariff preferences if the United States continues to impose tariffs above 15% on EU steel and aluminium derivative products after December 31, 2026.

In addition, lawmakers incorporated a broader suspension mechanism that would allow the EU to respond should Washington fail to address concerns over tariffs affecting certain European exports that had previously benefited from a 15% all-inclusive tariff ceiling.

The legislation further establishes a safeguard mechanism enabling Brussels to investigate and counter import surges deemed capable of causing serious harm to EU industries, including the agricultural sector.

“With this milestone, we are days away from fulfilling our commitment to remove tariffs on imports of US industrial goods. With full implementation on both sides, our agreement will deliver even more benefits for citizens and businesses,” von der Leyen said in a post on X.

The legislation now awaits formal approval by the EU Council before entering into force following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

By Vafa Guliyeva