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Posted on 05/19/2026 6:23:01 PM PDT by nickcarraway
European negotiators agreed late on Tuesday to implement the controversial trade agreement concluded last summer with the US. However, the deal — signed in the Scottish city of Turnberry — remains fragile as long as US President Donald Trump continues to use tariffs as a tool of political pressure.
Diplomats and MEPs reached an agreement late on Tuesday to implement the contentious EU-US agreement, which eliminates duties on most US industrial goods imported into Europe.
The negotiations concluded two weeks after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on EU cars if Europeans did not implement the agreement — clinched by Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland, last summer — by 4 July.
The so-called "Turnberry Agreement," criticised by MEPs as unbalanced, raises US tariffs on EU goods to as much as 15%.
“The EU and the United States share the world’s largest and most integrated economic relationship. Maintaining a stable, predictable and balanced transatlantic partnership is in the interest of both sides," Cyprus trade Minister Michael Damianos said, adding: "Today, the European Union delivers on its commitments."
MEPs had kept the deal frozen for several weeks following Trump’s threats over Greenland earlier this year. They also suspended it after the US adopted new tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling that declared illegal the tariffs imposed by the White House since Trump’s return to power.
Demanding clarity from the Americans, EU lawmakers finally agreed to enter into negotiations with the EU Cyprus presidency — representing EU member states — after the Commission assured them that the US would honour its side of the agreement and cap its tariffs at 15%, as agreed.
However, EU-US relations remain fragile and there is concern in Brussels that the US administration could still use tariffs to put political pressure on the EU if the bloc does not comply with the White House’s demands on other issues.
Trump’s threats over EU cars two weeks ago also targeted Germany, whose Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticised the war in Iran launched by the Americans alongside Israel.
Trump has repeatedly called on European countries to deploy ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a move Europeans have been reluctant to make.
Many disagreements also continue to strain EU–US relations over Ukraine — including the recent US extension of a sanctions waiver allowing purchases of Russian oil — and over NATO, which Trump has repeatedly threatened to leave.
On Tuesday night, MEPs tried to secure the deal by attaching conditions, risking US anger with additional provisions to which Washington had not agreed.
Under the Turnberry Agreement, the EU also committed to investing $600 billion across strategic sectors in the United States through 2028 and to purchasing $750 billion worth of US energy.
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The EU members, especially Germany are in a deep recession, blowing up the Nordstream pipeline was a very stupid, idiotic move. Energy costs across most of the EU destroyed their manufacturing base, and hurt their citizens with up to 7x energy costs....then the Hormuz blockage put the nail in their coffin...no tears.
They best “ pay up”, or we will cut the massive energy supplies we are shipping them. ...Depression is on their horizon. That’s what they get for spending $$$ billions on their Ukie war.
So what do FReepers this about this arrangement? I’m ignorant on the subject but would like to hear from the informed as to the efficacy of this arrangement to improve the flow of US goods & services into the EU. Also, does the agreement address any of concerns expressed by the US concerning freedom of thought and speech?
AI:
“The European Union has committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of U.S. energy products (including natural gas, oil, and nuclear fuel) over the next three years as part of a trade agreement. This deal aims to diversify the EU’s energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels”
Fools.
I doubt any part of the actual German government blew it up. Not their style.
AI:
“Overview of U.S. Energy Exports to the EU
The European Union has made a significant commitment to purchase $750 billion worth of energy products from the United States over the next three years. This agreement is part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
Key Components of the Energy Deal
Total Value: $750 billion
Energy Products Included:
Natural gas
Oil
Nuclear fuel
Objectives of the Agreement
Diversification: The deal aims to diversify the EU’s energy supply sources.
Energy Security: It seeks to enhance energy security by reducing reliance on Russian energy imports.
Current Energy Trade Landscape
U.S. Energy Exports to the EU (2024 Data)
Energy Product Value (in billions) Percentage of EU Imports
Total U.S. Exports $70 18%
Projected Exports (2026-2028) $207 N/A
Future Projections
To meet the $750 billion target, the EU would need to significantly increase its energy imports from the U.S., more than tripling current levels. This presents challenges due to existing long-term contracts with other suppliers.
Implications of the Deal
Geopolitical Dependency: Critics warn that this deal could create a new dependency on U.S. energy, potentially undermining the EU’s energy security strategy.
Investment in Renewables: There are calls for the EU to consider investing in renewable energy sources instead of locking in long-term contracts for U.S. fossil fuels.
This energy agreement marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-EU relations, aiming to reshape the energy landscape while addressing geopolitical concerns.”
Ukraine had it blown up. It was their competition after they chose NOT to renew their agreement with Russia.
Geopolitical Dependency: Critics warn that this deal could create a new dependency on U.S. energy, potentially undermining the EU’s energy security strategy. …So far, the EUSSR’s “energy security strategy” involved buying from rogue states, terrorists and totalitarians. All out of hatred for the US.
“The EU members, especially Germany are in a deep recession,”
Only four are in recessions. None in deep recession.
I remember you saying you had relatives in Russia. Ex-Pats?
Any information on Tim Kirby’s American Villages in Russia?
The EU needs us a lot more than we need them.
“Depression is on their horizon. That’s what they get for spending $$$ billions on their Ukie war.”
Yep. Putin’s Folly.
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