European Parliament approves 2025 EU-US trade agreement legislation

On June 16, the European Parliament voted 440 to 151 with 50 abstentions to approve legislation implementing the 2025 EU-US trade agreement. The agreement involves the elimination of tariffs on US industrial goods and provides preferential access for specific agricultural products and seafood, including the continuation of duty-free lobster imports. Under the deal, Washington agreed to cap tariffs on most EU exports at 15% and reduce duties on European automobiles. The legislation includes a sunset clause set for 2029 and provisions allowing the European Commission to suspend concessions if the US maintains high tariffs on steel and aluminum. A safeguard mechanism is also in place to protect the European economy in the event of import surges causing industrial or agricultural damage. The agreement stems from a framework reached in July between Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen at a golf resort in Scotland. Implementation remains subject to final approval by the Council of the EU. The European Commission is mandated to monitor the process and submit regular reports.