EU trade deal negotiations with US remain inconclusive

EU negotiators failed to reach a consensus on a trade deal with the United States following six hours of discussions held on Wednesday night. The negotiations, overseen by the Cypriot Presidency, sought to address trade terms established by President Donald Trump and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in summer 2025, specifically regarding zero tariffs for US goods and 15% tariffs for EU products entering the US. MEPs and diplomats, including European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, reported progress on technical issues but remained deadlocked over legal safeguards should the US violate the agreement. The European Parliament is specifically seeking the removal of existing steel tariffs. Negotiations were pressured by President Trump’s recent threat to impose 25% tariffs on European automobiles if the deal is not implemented. While no final agreement was reached, the Cypriot Energy and Commerce Minister Michalis Damianis and European Parliament Trade Committee chair Bernd Lange confirmed that discussions will resume on May 19.