Bernd Lange

Stories

US-EU trade deal ratification standoff

As of May 2026: Leading Parliament-Council trilogue; next session May 19 in Strasbourg

Trump and von der Leyen announced a US-EU trade framework at Turnberry, Scotland, in July 2025. The deal still isn't ratified, nearly ten months on. On May 8, Trump gave Brussels until July 4 to close it, threatening tariffs above the 25% levy already on European cars.

Updated May 31

Notable Quotes

Good progress, but we still need further work before the next negotiating round. — Lange, May 8, 2026

from US-EU trade deal ratification standoff · Updated May 31

We made good progress on the issue of the safeguard mechanism and the review and evaluation of the main regulation, but there is still some way to go. — Lange, May 7-8, 2026

from US-EU trade deal ratification standoff · Updated May 31

Trump is using tariffs as an instrument of political pressure — an attack against the economic and territorial sovereignty of the European Union. — Lange, January 21, 2026

from US-EU trade deal ratification standoff · Updated May 31