The European Union has paused its countermeasures on unjustified US trade tariffs to allow time and space for EU-US negotiations.&nbsp;

The decision – which puts on hold for up to 90 days the EU's&nbsp;planned countermeasures&nbsp;against US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports - was made in response to the US delaying by 90 days its so-called reciprocal tariffs.&nbsp; In total, the suspended EU countermeasures cover €21 billion of US exports.&nbsp;

As part of the EU's push to find a negotiated outcome with the US, EU Trade Commissioner&nbsp;Maroš&nbsp;Šefčovič was&nbsp;in Washington DC to hold meetings with his US counterparts in order to explore the ground for a negotiated solution.&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the Commission, the EU has a €154 billion trade surplus in goods with the US, while the US maintains a €104 billion surplus in services with the EU, resulting in an overall EU trade surplus of three percent from a total €1.5 trillion trade flow. In 2023, the US was the largest partner for EU exports of goods and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods.

EU - USA

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

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)

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (born November 20, 1942) is an American politician and the president-elect of the United States.

Candidate for the Democratic Party, he defeated incumbent president Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election and will be inaugurated as the 46th president on January 20, 2021.

Joe Biden served as the 47th vice president during the Obama administration from 2009 to 2017. He represented Delaware in the United States Senate from 1973 to 2009.

Joe Biden addressed the European Parliament on 06/05/2010 to stress the need to renew and rebuild the transatlantic relationship as part of a visit to Europe aimed at making progress on relations with Washington.

Joe Biden

President Metsola participates in a Fireside Chat with Business Representatives at the European American Chamber of Commerce. She then delivers a Keynote Speech at the US Council on Foreign Relations. Then the President meets with the Clinton Foundation and then with  the leadership of the NY Stock Exchange.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to New York (United States)

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta METSOLA, visits Dayton, Ohio (USA) on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May to participate in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting. On Saturday she delivers a high-level speech at the Dayton Dialogues followed by a Q&A moderated by the CEO and President of the Atlantic Council, Fred Kempe; while on Sunday she gives a high-level speech at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

EP President Roberta METSOLA participates in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

MEPs discuss with the Commission and the Council a unified EU response to US trade measures, and global trade opportunities for the EU.

The debate in Parliament follows the global reaction to the US government’s decision to increase existing tariffs and impose new ones – and its subsequent postponement of their imposition.

MEPs consider the countermeasures adopted by the EU – which were later suspended as well. Plenary will also review EU trade opportunities elsewhere in the world. The EU has concluded deals with a number of countries and regional groupings, and talks are ongoing on several more potential trade deals.

Unified response to US trade measures

Statements of the members of INTA Delegation to the US

MEPs review the new US administration’s recent decision to pull back from a number of international organisations and agreements.

Following his inauguration on 20 January 2025, President Trump signed a large number of executive orders setting the priorities of the new US administration, including the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation. Alongside Commission representatives, MEPs will discuss the impact of these decisions internationally and on the EU’s future involvement in these global initiatives.

Background

This is the second time the US has initiated the process of withdrawing from both the WHO and Paris Agreement.

During the first Trump administration (2017-2021), the US gave formal notice of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in November 2019 (which then took 12 months to take effect). Shortly after taking office, President Biden revoked the decision, with the US formally rejoining the agreement in February 2021. President Trump also started the withdrawal process from the WHO in 2020, but it was never finalised and the decision was reversed by the Biden administration.

Debate on the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, WHO and USaid

MEPs assess the current state of EU-US trade relations, multilateralism and the EU’s potential responses if the US imposes tariffs on European products.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he would “absolutely” introduce tariffs targeting the EU, citing grievances over EU action against US tech firms and a trade deficit in goods. He also threatened to use tariffs to pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland. President Trump recently announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, which he later delayed by a month, as well as a 10 percent tariff on imports from China.

Parliament is committed to multilateralism and has called for the urgent reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Leading MEPs recently said it is “imperative for the US and the EU to work closely together to defend multilateralism and the rules-based international order”. Meanwhile, the EU has strengthened the tools at its disposal to protect EU trade, which now include the Anti-Coercion Instrument designed to enable the EU to respond, as a last resort, to economic blackmail from a foreign country.

According to the Commission, the EU has a €154 billion trade surplus in goods with the US, while the US maintains a €104 billion surplus in services with the EU, resulting in an overall EU trade surplus of three percent from a total €1.5 trillion trade flow. In 2023, the US was the largest partner for EU exports of goods and the second largest partner for EU imports of goods.

Debate on the  tariff threats from the Trump administration

The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration on  20 January, MEPs discuss the implications of his second term for transatlantic relations, with representatives from the Polish Council Presidency and the Commission . The debate is expected to focus on support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China, the Middle East, climate change, and trade. MEPs are also expected to bring up  security issues, in light of Donald Trump’s repeated demands that Europe spend more on defence. Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned MEPs that “NATO’s current two percent defence spending target is not nearly enough (...) to stay safe.”

Debate on the geopolitical and economic implications under Trump administration

Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which sees Donald Trump and JD Vance defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the European Parliament debates the future of EU-U.S. relations under the new administration. With Trump set to be inaugurated in January 2025, MEPs assess how this shift affects shared priorities. As the EU seeks stable transatlantic relations, MEPs consider how to engage with the new administration to address challenges and leverage opportunities for both regions.

EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections

Sophie WILMES meets with a delegation of the US Congress

IMCO - State of play of the ongoing negotiations of the EU with the US and potential impacts on the Single Market

INTA - State of play of EU-US trade relations

EP Plenary session - EU-US trade negotiations

Press conference  on the EU-US trade negotiations

Annual Gala 2025 of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union - Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with the US Chamber of Commerce delegation

Roberta METSOLA, EP President adresses at the Spring 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates at the Dayton Dialogue

AFET - Public hearing on the EU–US political relations

EP Plenary session - A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU

Visit of US Congressional Delegation - House of Democracy Partnership

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives a delegation from the US Congress

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - Situation of EU academics in the US

EP Plenary session - US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organisation and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid

EP Plenary session - US AI chip export restrictions: a challenge to European AI development and economic resilience

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. Closing statement by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: Closing statement by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. Second part of MEPs debate.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: MEPs debate part 2

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. Council and Commission are seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. They are also pursuing trade diversification by negotiating new agreements with other partners like Mercosur, Mexico, and others. First part of MEPs debate.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: MEPs debate part 1

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The EU is seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations. The EU is engaging constructively with the US, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Opening statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: opening statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

MEPs assess the latest developments in EU-US trade relations with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Danish Minister Marie Bjerre for the Council during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The EU is seeking a negotiated solution with the US to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade relations, but has also prepared for potential countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Opening statement by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - EU-US trade negotiations: Opening statement by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Bernd LANGE (S&D, DE), Chair of the International Trade Committee, holds a press conference on the EU-US trade negotiations. The European Union is facing tariffs from the United States, including 50% on steel and aluminum products, 25% on cars and car parts, and potential tariffs on other products. The EU is in negotiations with the US to try to find a solution and framework agreement to withdraw these tariffs. Key issues under discussion include the need for a significant reduction in tariffs during the negotiation period and a standstill clause to prevent further tariff increases. The EU has countermeasures ready but is hoping to reach an understanding with the US soon, as these sectoral tariffs are harming the EU's industrial development.This transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Press Conference by Bernd LANGE (S&D, DE), Chair of the International Trade Committee, on the EU-US trade negotiations

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament participates to the Annual Gala 2025 at the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union and gives a keynote speech. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Annual Gala 2025 of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union: keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), on Wall Street in New York City. The NYSE is the largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization. The NYSE plays a crucial role in the global economy by enabling companies to raise capital and investors to buy and sell shares. This news item shows extracts from the meeting of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, with NY Stock Exchange leadership, tour of the trading floor, and NYSE closing bell.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States) : extracts from the meeting with NY Stock Exchange leadership, tour of the trading floor, and NYSE closing bell

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to a questions & answers session with Jane Hartley, former Ambassador of the United States to the United Kingdom, France and Monaco.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States) : Q&A with Jane Hartley, Former Ambassador of the United States to the United Kingdom, France and Monaco

Roberta METSOLA, EP President gives a keynote speech during her official visit to the United States in New York. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States) : keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Roberta METSOLA, EP President delivers a high-level, keynote speech and has a Q&A session moderated by Ambassador Jane Hartley, Former U.S. Ambassador to France, Monaco and the United Kingdom, and with audience members at The Council on Foreign Relations, in New-York (United States of America). In her address, EP President speaks about the transatlantic relationship, the aggression in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. This news item contains extracts from the keynote speech and cutaways of the event.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States): extracts from the keynote speech and Q&A at the Council on Foreign relations

During her official visit to New-York (United States of America), Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with business representatives at the European American chamber of commerce. This news item contains illustration shots of the meeting and talks between the EP President and the business representatives.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to New York (United States) : extracts from the fireside chat with business representatives at the European american chamber of commerce

MEPs discuss with the Commission and the Council a unified EU response to US trade measures, and global trade opportunities for the EU. The debate in Parliament follows the global reaction to the US government’s decision to increase existing tariffs and impose new ones – and its subsequent postponement of their imposition. MEPs consider the countermeasures adopted by the EU – which were later suspended as well. Plenary also review EU trade opportunities elsewhere in the world. The EU has concluded deals with a number of countries and regional groupings, and talks are ongoing on several more potential trade deals.

A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU: MEPs debate (part 3)

A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU: MEPs debate (part 2)

A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss with Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, and the Council a unified EU response to US trade measures, and global trade opportunities for the EU. The debate in Parliament follows the global reaction to the US government’s decision to increase existing tariffs and impose new ones – and its subsequent postponement of their imposition. MEPs consider the countermeasures adopted by the EU – which were later suspended as well. Plenary also review EU trade opportunities elsewhere in the world. The EU has concluded deals with a number of countries and regional groupings, and talks are ongoing on several more potential trade deals. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for Trade

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