EU lawmaker slams US trade deal as ‘imbalanced, unsatisfactory’

EU lawmaker slams US trade deal as ‘imbalanced, unsatisfactory’

A top European lawmaker has voiced strong opposition to the newly proposed EU-US trade deal, warning that it could jeopardize economic stability across the European Union.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, called the agreement “significantly imbalanced” and “unsatisfactory.” Under the draft deal, the US will impose a 15% baseline tariff on all EU exports, while the EU commits to zero tariffs on US imports.

“This is a deal with a slant. Clearly, concessions have been made that are difficult to bear,” Lange said in a statement issued on Sunday.

The agreement was announced earlier by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Both leaders claimed the deal would restore trade balance, but critics argue it gives the US a clear advantage—particularly by securing zero-tariff access for strategic American exports.

In addition to accepting US tariffs, the EU has pledged to purchase $750 billion worth of American energy and commit $600 billion in additional investments in the United States.

Lange expressed concern over this large-scale financial commitment, especially the increase in funding toward US military technology. “Such measures are contrary to European economic interests,” he noted, comparing the negotiation tactics to those used by Washington in recent talks with Japan.

He also pointed out that while Trump had promised broad tariffs, key sectors like steel and pharmaceuticals were reportedly exempted—further skewing the deal in America’s favor.

The agreement comes as the EU continues to reduce energy dependence on Russia, leading to a greater reliance on US liquefied natural gas.

“This deal could weaken the EU’s economic development and damage its GDP,” Lange warned, urging caution and closer parliamentary scrutiny.

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