The European Parliament has approved the terms of a trade agreement with the United States
On March 26, the European Parliament officially adopted its position on the implementation of the trade agreements with the United States that were reached in the summer of 2025 in Thornbury.
MEPs supported the introduction of strict mechanisms to protect the European market, which will allow for a swift response to potential violations of the agreements by Washington.
A key change in the document was the strengthening of the provision regarding the so-called “safeguard.”
This mechanism grants the European Commission the right to suspend tariff preferences for American goods if the United States fails to fulfill its obligations.
Specifically, restrictions may be activated if the U.S. imposes new tariffs on European products or exceeds the agreed tariff threshold of 15%.
Actions that contradict EU foreign policy or the use of economic coercion against member states could also serve as grounds for revoking the preferences.
Lawmakers paid special attention to the industrial sector, particularly metallurgy.
The new tariffs will take effect only if U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration honor their commitments to reduce duties on European steel and aluminum.
“The new tariffs will take effect only if the United States adheres to its commitments—including reducing tariffs on European products containing less than 50% steel and aluminum to the agreed-upon 15%,” the document states.
In this way, Europe aims to ensure a level playing field for its manufacturers in the U.S. market.
As a reminder, the European Parliament approved the rapid provision of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.
The European Parliament also awarded the Sakharov Prize to journalists from Georgia and Belarus.
