A new trade agreement between the European Union and the United States, announced following negotiations in Scotland between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Donald Trump, will impose 15% tariffs on the majority of European goods exported to the US. In exchange, EU markets will remain open to American goods, which will face no reciprocal tariffs. The deal has been described by experts and industry groups across Europe as a defeat for the EU and a strategic win for Washington.
Unequal terms and European concessions
While the agreement averts a potentially severe trade war, many observers note that it comes at a significant cost to European exporters. The deal requires the EU not only to accept the 15% tariff but also to commit to massive purchases of American energy and military equipment, totalling over €1.2 trillion. The EU will invest an additional €550 billion in the United States, alongside energy imports worth €685 billion.
These concessions are not matched by similar USA commitments. While a narrow list of goods, including certain aircraft parts, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, will be exempt from tariffs, most European manufacturing sectors, particularly automotive and chemicals, will face higher costs and reduced competitiveness in the US market.
Reactions across Europe: disappointment and concern
European governments and business associations have expressed disappointment and concern. France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou described the outcome as “a dark day” and accused the EU of “submission”. In Denmark, Dansk Industri and Dansk Erhverv both criticised the agreement as one-sided and harmful to European competitiveness. According to Casper Schrøder, DR’s economic correspondent, the deal marks the end of an era of expanding transatlantic trade and represents a clear setback for Danish companies.
In Finland, Minister Ville Tavio acknowledged that the tariff is too high and warned that the deal may not be sustainable in the long term. Nonetheless, some officials, including Denmark’s Minister of Business, Morten Bødskov, welcomed the “clarity” brought by the agreement, suggesting it at least avoids further escalation.
Missed opportunity for a stronger EU stance
Critics argue that the EU could have responded more assertively to USA demands. Proposals to target sensitive American sectors, such as Big Tech, were reportedly considered but not pursued. Analysts believe this choice leaves European industries vulnerable and weakens the EU’s position in future negotiations. The lack of tariff reciprocity further exacerbates concerns over asymmetry in the transatlantic relationship.
Economic experts have also pointed out that by locking itself into massive purchases from the US, the EU risks further reducing its strategic autonomy in energy and defence sectors.
Strategic implications for Europe’s global role
While the agreement may provide short-term predictability, its long-term impact could weaken the EU’s standing as a global trade actor. The deal underscores the bloc’s internal divisions and limited leverage when facing pressure from stronger counterparts. As noted by several observers, this outcome could set a precedent for future negotiations with other major powers, potentially at the expense of European sovereignty and industrial resilience.
Although President von der Leyen defended the agreement as a stabilising measure, the absence of meaningful gains for Europe has sparked criticism even within Brussels. With trade now a central front in geopolitical competition, many are calling for a reassessment of the EU’s economic strategy and greater assertiveness in defending its interests.
