Commission Asserts “A Deal is a Deal” as Key MEP Calls to Pause Parliamentary Vote
Brussels, 22 February 2026 — The European Commission is demanding clear information from Washington regarding its future trade actions amid disruptions in US tariff policy, making it clear that any increase beyond last year’s transatlantic agreement will not be tolerated. Simultaneously, a prominent European Parliament member has suggested postponing the parliamentary vote on the agreement, claiming significant shifts in legal and political contexts require a reconsideration before endorsing the deal amid “tariff chaos.”
The Commission firmly stated that the EU sees the existing agreement as binding, expecting the US to adhere to the negotiated tariff limits. Reuters reported that the executive would not accept any US tariff increases beyond the agreed levels, highlighting the importance of stability for businesses and markets on both sides of the Atlantic.
The conflict arises from a sudden change in US tariff policy following a Supreme Court decision nullifying several of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs. This decision created uncertainty as the White House initiated new tariffs, initially set at 10% and quickly raised to 15%, as noted by Reuters and AP. The crucial question for Brussels is whether these actions align with the 2025 EU–US agreement.
In the 2025 deal, the US agreed to cap most EU goods’ tariffs at 15%, with specified exceptions for certain sectors. In exchange, the EU offered concessions, including removing some duties and suspending retaliatory actions, as reported by Reuters. The Commission has promoted this framework as a stabilizer to prevent a new transatlantic trade war, arguing that further increases would violate both the spirit and letter of the agreement.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič discussed the situation with US officials over the weekend, Reuters reported, as Brussels seeks to discern whether the new US measures are temporary or indicative of a broader policy change. Even brief periods of tariff uncertainty can impact European exporters — from automotive to pharmaceutical and aircraft sectors — affecting contracts, pricing, and investment decisions.
Pressure on Parliamentary Ratification
This uncertainty is now affecting the EU’s ratification process. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, recommended postponing the scheduled vote, Reuters reported. He highlighted that changes in US tariff policy have altered the “terms” and “legal basis” of the deal. The Greens also advocate for a delay, per the same report, indicating growing opposition beyond traditional trade deal critics.
The timing is crucial. The European Parliament intended to vote by the end of February, having previously paused to address broader concerns about US pressure on European allies, according to Reuters. Lawmakers now face a decision: proceed to solidify the deal or delay to seek written assurances and legal clarity from Washington.
Proponents of moving forward argue that EU leverage is strongest with decisive action, and securing the deal could protect businesses from fluctuating tariffs influenced by US domestic politics. Opponents warn that ratification without clarity could leave the EU vulnerable, normalize unpredictability, and weaken the Parliament’s ability to scrutinize the deal’s enforceability — a sensitive issue for an institution increasingly assertive in trade oversight.
Implications for Brussels and Transatlantic Credibility
Beyond tariff rates, the dispute raises the broader question of whether the EU and US can maintain a stable, rules-based anchor for global trade amidst domestic legal and political upheavals. The Commission’s stance that “a deal is a deal” is about maintaining credibility and warning that negotiated outcomes cannot be casually overturned without repercussions.
Next steps in Brussels are likely to focus on obtaining written clarifications from the US administration, potential safeguards, and reconsideration of the Parliament’s vote timing. The debate also revisits a longstanding EU issue: balancing the economic benefits of transatlantic trade with the political necessity of ensuring partners uphold predictable legal commitments.
For more on how the EU approached the 2025 understanding and its intended stabilizing effect, refer to The European Times’ previous coverage on the Commission’s implementation plans: EU moves to cut tariffs and implement US trade deal.
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