At a high-stakes summit in Brussels, EU leaders delved into new U.S. trade proposals amid a rapidly approaching deadline. With U.S. import tariffs set to spike after July 9, discussions ranged from sealing a quick, simple deal to negotiating a balanced and far-reaching agreement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a speedy resolution, emphasizing a "quick and simple" approach. In contrast, French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that any deal must be truly balanced – warning that European goodwill must not be mistaken for weakness. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen summed it up by stating that "all options remain on the table," as the bloc carefully reviews a new, concise U.S. document.
Beyond immediate tariff concerns on items from cars to pharmaceuticals, EU leaders also explored fresh ideas for trade cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries that could reshape elements of the World Trade Organization. With tensions yet to settle, the summit unfolded like a real-life thriller where every minute counts. ⏰⚖️
As the clock ticks down, the debate over whether to embrace a swift agreement or push for a more robust plan intensifies. Stay tuned as the EU races to secure the best outcome amid these challenging trade dynamics!
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EU leaders discuss new U.S. trade proposal as deal clock ticks down
cgtn.com
