European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declared that the European Union is prepared to reach a trade agreement with the United States under a possible second Trump administration—but warned that “all options remain on the table” should the negotiations fail.
Speaking from Brussels, Von der Leyen confirmed that the EU is currently reviewing the latest U.S. negotiation document, received Thursday, while also preparing for the possibility of no deal.
“Our message today is clear: we are ready for a deal. At the same time, we are preparing for the scenario in which no satisfactory agreement is reached… We will protect European interests as necessary. In short, all options remain on the table,” said Von der Leyen.
⚠️ Trump’s July 9 Deadline Looms
The statement comes just days before the July 9 deadline set by Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose 50% tariffs on all EU goods if an agreement is not reached.
Currently, most European exports face 10% tariffs, while automobiles and parts are taxed at 25%, and steel and aluminum at 50%.
In a reciprocal gesture, the EU has suspended tariffs on €21 billion worth of U.S. goods until mid-July, hoping to reach a mutually beneficial solution.
🏛 EU Calls for WTO Reform
Von der Leyen also emphasized the EU’s commitment to reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO), noting growing interest from Asia-Pacific trading partners—particularly members of the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)—to collaborate more closely with the EU.
“This could be the beginning of a WTO redesign… to show the world that free trade with a large number of countries is possible when it’s based on rules,” she stated.
The coming days will be decisive in determining whether Europe and the U.S. head toward renewed cooperation—or a full-blown trade war.
