The agreement limits most U.S. tariffs on EU products to 15 percent, covering cars and pharmaceuticals, while providing exemptions for generics and aircraft components.
Critics, such as former World Trade Organization chief Pascal Lamy, have cautioned that the deal threatens to weaken Europe’s reputation as a proponent of rules-based trade.
However, von der Leyen emphasized that the EU achieved a distinctive outcome: a single tariff cap of 15 percent, differing from the tiered rates the U.S. imposes on other partners.
She also highlighted that EU regulations on food safety, health, and digital matters remain unaltered and pointed out Brussels’ initiatives to broaden trade relationships, including agreements with Mexico, the South American Mercosur bloc, and the aim of finalizing a deal with India by the end of the year.
Von der Leyen echoed former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, who urged the removal of internal market barriers, suggesting they impede growth more than any external tariff. “If Europe wants to fully unlock its potential, this is the most urgent challenge,” she stated.
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