The European Parliament has voted to advance legislation implementing the European Union’s side of a transatlantic trade agreement with the United States, adding legal safeguards amid persistent concerns over Washington’s tariff policy under Donald Trump.
Lawmakers on Thursday backed the measure by 417 votes to 154, with 71 abstentions, incorporating provisions that would allow the EU to suspend or condition tariff concessions if the U.S. fails to comply with the deal struck in Turnberry, Scotland, in July 2025.
The vote marks a procedural step rather than final approval, with negotiations between Parliament and EU member states due to begin on 13 April ahead of a final vote expected no earlier than June.
The legislation underpins a broader EU-U.S. agreement designed to stabilise trade relations after a period of escalating tariff threats.
It would eliminate most EU import duties on U.S. industrial goods, expand access for U.S. agricultural exports, and extend zero tariffs on U.S. lobsters first agreed in 2020.
In return, U.S. tariffs would remain capped at 15% on most EU exports - an asymmetry that has drawn criticism from European lawmakers.
According to Eurostat data, the U.S. remains the EU’s largest trading partner, with EU exports reaching a record €555 billion (US$641 billion) in 2025.
Total transatlantic trade in goods and services was valued at €1.7 trillion in 2024, around €4.6 billion per day.
The amended legislation introduces a “sunrise clause” tying EU tariff reductions to U.S. compliance, a “sunset clause” expiring concessions on 31 March 2028, and a suspension mechanism in cases of breach or import surges.
Additional language allows the EU to act if Washington engages in what lawmakers define as economic coercion or actions undermining member states’ territorial integrity.
Maroš Šefčovič, the European Trade Commissioner, described the vote as a “crucial step” towards certainty for businesses, according to a statement published by the European Commission.
The U.S. Mission to the EU welcomed the outcome, saying it would support economic growth and predictability across both markets.
However, opposition within Parliament remains pronounced.
Bernd Lange, chair of the trade committee, said the arrangement “is not really an agreement”, while Belgian lawmaker Kathleen Van Brempt argued it “does not bring stability” or protect against future tariffs.
Their concerns reflect unease that the EU is making deeper concessions while the U.S. retains broader tariff flexibility.
Tensions escalated earlier this year when Trump threatened additional tariffs against European allies and floated plans to acquire Greenland, prompting the EU to pause legislative work.
The inclusion of stronger safeguards is intended to “weatherproof” the deal against similar disruptions, Lange said.
Further talks between EU and U.S. negotiators, including Šefčovič and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, are expected to continue alongside meetings at the World Trade Organisation.
The final shape of the agreement will determine whether it delivers the stability sought by businesses or reinforces concerns over an uneven transatlantic trade framework.
