The European Union and the United States have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. EU and US investments are the real driver of the transatlantic relationship, contributing to growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

Although overtaken by China in 2021 as the largest EU import source for goods, the US remains the EU’s largest trade and investment partner by far. It is estimated that a third of the trade across the Atlantic actually consists of intra-company transfers.

The transatlantic relationship also defines the shape of the global economy as a whole. Either the EU or the US is the largest trade and investment partner for almost all other countries in the global economy. Taken together, the economies of both territories amount to more than 40% of world GDP and more than 40% of global trade in goods and services.

In June 2021 both entities agreed to take decisive steps to end the longest running dispute in the history of the World trade organisation: dispute on Large Civil Aircraft (also known as Airbus-Boeing dispute).

See more on the topic of EU-US trade relations by visiting our package for the 8th parliamentary term.

EU - US Trade relations

On 16 June 2026, MEPs gave their final approval to two pieces of legislation implementing EU tariff commitments under the August 2025 EU-US joint statement. The main proposal for a regulation, adopted by 440 votes to 151 with 50 abstentions, eliminates tariffs on all US industrial goods and provides preferential market access for a wide range of US seafood and agricultural goods. The second proposal for a regulation, endorsed by 444 votes to 152 with 54 abstentions, concerns the prolongation of tariff-free imports of lobster, and now also includes processed lobster. Both proposals were previously agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators, who introduced several elements strengthening the Commission’s original proposal.

The main regulation on industrial and agri-food imports will expire on 31 December 2029. By 30 June 2029, the Commission will make a comprehensive assessment of its trade effects on EU industry, agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises, and of changes in trade patterns with third countries, accompanied by a legislative proposal to prolong the regulation’s duration, if appropriate.

&nbsp;In August 2025, the US added 407 product categories to the list of derivative steel and aluminium products subject to tariffs. Parliament considered that these new tariffs increased the level of trade instability and pushed for this issue to be addressed in the main regulation. As a consequence of this, the Commission will now be able to suspend tariff preferences if by 31 December 2026 the US continues to apply a tariff rate higher than 15% on EU steel and aluminium derivatives.

&nbsp;Parliament and Council also agreed to establish a safeguard mechanism should tariff preferences granted to the US lead to increases in imports that threaten to cause serious injury to EU industry, including the agricultural sector.

EU - USA

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953.

 
The relationship between the EU and the United States is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The EU and U.S. are the biggest economic and military powers in the world, dominate global trade, play the leading roles in international political relations.

EU - USA - 8th Parliamentary term

This package contains the events of 2019 and 2020. For latest events, see related links.

Diplomatic relations between the EU and the U.S. date back to 1953. 
The relationship between the EU and the United States is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The EU and U.S. are the biggest economic and military powers in the world, dominate global trade, play the leading roles in international political relations.

EU - USA (2019-2020)

The proposals, already agreed by Parliament and  Council negotiators, would eliminate most tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods from the US. At the same time, negotiators agreed on several elements strengthening the Commission’s original proposal. The agreement introduces a sunset clause, with tariff preferences on industrial and agri-food imports expiring on 31 December 2029 unless they are renewed. It also includes safeguard mechanisms to protect the EU’s industrial and agricultural sectors, reinforces suspension clause provisions, and sets clear conditions for tariff reductions on steel and aluminium derivatives.

Joint debate – EU-US trade deal

Official visit to San Francisco (USA) by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

MEPs quiz HRVP Kaja Kallas on the EU response to reduced US military deployment in Europe, particularly at the Eastern flank in light of the latest US decision.

EU’s response to reduced US military deployment in Europe

Starting the day at 9.00, MEPs and Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis will discuss two legislative proposals implementing tariff aspects of the July 2025 Turnberry Agreement with the US. The deal would eliminate most tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods. Nevertheless, should the US deviate from its commitments, the proposal contains safeguard clauses to protect EU interests. Parliament’s position on the two proposals will be put to a vote at 11.00. Rapporteur Bernd Lange (S&D, DE) is holding a press conference at 13.00.

EP Plenary Debate on EU-US Trade Deal

MEPs debate the results of the December EU summit and a stronger and more sovereign EU amid rising geopolitical tensions with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen.

At their meeting in Brussels, European leaders reinforced the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and agreed to provide a €90 billion loan for 2026-2027 based on EU borrowing, while deferring the use of frozen Russian assets for reparations. On the Middle East, they reiterated the EU’s commitment to a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

On defence and security, the European Council strongly condemned recent hybrid attacks against EU member states and reviewed progress on boosting EU defence readiness. Leaders also discussed the geoeconomic situation and its implications for the EU’s competitiveness, addressed the 2028-2034 EU long-term budget, and reaffirmed that enlargement remains a key geostrategic priority.

EP Plenary debate on the December European Council debrief and vote on Ukraine loan

MEPs debate the situation in Venezuela following the abduction of ex-President Nicolás Maduro and the need to ensure a peaceful democratic transition.

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were extracted from Caracas by US soldiers during a pre-dawn raid on 3 January 2026. They were subsequently flown to New York where they are facing court charges, including for narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine to the US, and possession of machine guns. In parallel, President Donald Trump has also announced that Washington will “run Venezuela”, including its oil industry, for the time being.

During the plenary debate, MEPs will assess the situation and are expected to emphasise the need for a swift and peaceful transition to real democracy in Venezuela. In 2024, the European Parliament awarded Venezuelan opposition politicians María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The latter was also recognised as the country’s legitimate president by MEPs in a resolution adopted the same year.

EP Plenary debate on the situation in Venezuela

MEPs discuss the EU’s response to President Trump’s claims on Greenland.

European governments rejected US plans to acquire Greenland, warning that it would undermine sovereignty, NATO cohesion, and transatlantic security. Many EU governments, as well as Denmark, have stated that decisions on Greenland’s status rest exclusively with Denmark and Greenland, emphasised the importance of collective, NATO-led Arctic security, and cautioned against unilateral actions that could destabilise allied relations and regional stability. The authorities of Denmark and Greenland reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and called instead for cooperation.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. In 1951, Washington and Copenhagen signed a defence treaty in addition to their NATO alliance commitments. Under the treaty, the US undertook to defend the island from potential aggression. Currently the US military presence in Greenland is limited to the Pituffik Space Base.

EP Plenary debate on the support for Greenland’s territorial integrity and sovereignty

EU foreign affairs priorities. MEPs in the Foreign Affairs Committee quiz EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas on topical issues including the peace plan for Ukraine, European defence, EU-US relations, the Middle East, enlargement, and EU neighbourhood policy.

AFET Exchange of views with EU High Representative Kaja KALLAS

250 years of independence US with Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Events marking the 250th anniversary of US independence

Press Seminar - The EU Trade agreements: towards strategic diversification;

EP Plenary Session - EU-US trade deal

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with a delegation from the Congress of the United States

INTA -  Adjustment of customs duties on the import of certain goods originating in the United States of America and opening of tariff quotas for imports of certain goods originating in the United States of America

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to San Francisco (USA) - Visit of the Google Campus

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to San Francisco (USA) - Meeting with ASML representatives and visit

This News item shows extracts from the speeches by EP President Roberta Metsola and US ambassador to the European Union Andrew PUZDER, live music performed by the SHAPE Band, photo.

250 years of US independence with the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President: extracts

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, participates to the USA's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in a ceremony in the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels (Belgium). In her speech, she highlights the historical transatlantic alliance, including American sacrifice in WWII and the joint defense of democracy during the Cold War. She notes that despite cultural differences and disagreements, the US and Europe share core democratic values: government of the people, by the people, for the people. She concludes by affirming their shared commitment to liberty and opposition to authoritarianism.

USA-250th anniversary Declaration of Independence: statements by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

This News item shows extracts from the signing two COD LEX by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Michalis DAMIANOS, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry on behalf of the Cyprus Presidency. The two Regulations concern the Non-application of customs duties on imports of certain goods – A measure to waive tariffs for specific goods, facilitating trade and Adjustment of customs duties and opening of tariff quotas for US-origin goods (Turnberry files).

LEX signing ceremony of the "Turnberry Files" in the presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Michael DAMIANOS, Cypriot Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry, on behalf of the Cyprus Presidency: extracts

This infoclip illustrates the automotive industry from different angles, such as car shipping; manufacturing, car dealers, electric vehicles charging, and a car repair garage. The clip shows the Wolkswagen plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, the automotive port of Antwerp-Bruges, the Audi factory in Brussels and a car dealer in Brussels city center. In spring 2024, the German manufacturer announced the restructuring of its Brussels plant, provoking protest among employees and trade unions. The European automotive sector is experiencing a crisis sparked by the transition to low carbon technologies, the degradation of supply chains, increased competition from Asia, and decreased demand for electric models.

Infoclip: European Automotive Industry's competitiveness (extended version)

Chair of INTA Committee and Rapporteur Bernd LANGE (DE, S&D) holds a press conference on EU-US Trade Agreement. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Bernd LANGE (DE, S&D), Chair of INTA Committee and Rapporteur on EU-US Trade Agreement

MEPs vote on different topics such as urgent procedure requests; Waste exports to Switzerland; Waiver of immunity for Attard, De Meo, Martusciello, Minchev; Customs duties adjustments for US goods; AI regulation simplification; Farmers' position in food supply chain; Coal and Steel Treaty implementation; European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Belgium; European political parties and foundations report; Strategy against transnational repression; Trade's role in EU economic security; Development cooperation for irregular migration

Voting Session

MEPs debate on the role of the EU in efforts for peace and stability throughout the Middle East after the announced deal between the US and Iran. MEPs and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja KALLAS, discuss recent developments in the ongoing crises in the Middle East. The discussion focuses on the EU’s role in promoting de-escalation and stability in the region.

The role of the EU in efforts for peace and stability throughout the Middle East after the announced deal between the US and Iran: MEPs debate (part 2)

The role of the EU in efforts for peace and stability throughout the Middle East after the announced deal between the US and Iran: MEPs debate (part 1)

EU - United States of America (T)

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