EU-US Pact: A Deal of “Submission” or a Pragmatic Step?

The new trade framework between the US and the European Union is being viewed through two starkly different lenses across Europe: as a pragmatic de-escalation of a damaging trade war, or as a humiliating act of “submission” to American pressure. This division highlights the deep-seated tensions within the EU over how to handle Washington’s assertive trade policies.
The critical perspective is most forcefully articulated by French Prime Minister François Bayrou, who called the agreement “a dark day.” This view is rooted in the deal’s core condition: the US will only lower its 27.5% car tariff after the EU introduces legislation to favor US goods. Critics argue this allows Washington to dictate European policy and sets a dangerous precedent for future negotiations.
The more pragmatic view, while unenthusiastic, is represented by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. His lukewarm support suggests an acceptance that this deal, however flawed, is preferable to the alternative of escalating tariffs that could further damage European economies. From this perspective, the agreement is a tactical retreat to protect the vital auto industry, even if it means other sectors are left behind.
The truth may lie somewhere in between. The deal does force the EU to act first, a clear win for the US negotiating strategy. However, it also provides a defined pathway to lower tariffs from a punishing 27.5% to a more manageable 15%, offering a degree of certainty to the continent’s largest industrial sector. Whether it is ultimately seen as a wise compromise or a strategic blunder will depend on its long-term economic and political fallout.