The European Parliament has decided to suspend the ratification of the trade agreement between the European Union and the United States following recent statements by US President Donald Trump. The decision has been confirmed by the leaders of the main political groups within the European Parliament.
Iratxe García Pérez, the leader of the S&D Group, indicated that there is consensus among the groups on this issue. According to sources within the EU, a vote on the agreement was initially scheduled for 27 January in the Parliament’s international trade committee. However, due to Trump’s threats of imposing new taxes on the EU, there is currently insufficient support for this vote.
Notably, the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest group in the Parliament, had previously supported continuing the ratification process but has now revised its position.
“The EPP is in favour of the EU–US trade deal, but given Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage. The 0% tariffs on US products must be put on hold. #EuropeanUnity,” wrote the group’s leader, German MEP Manfred Weber, on Platform X on 17 January.
Two other political groups have decided to suspend the ratification process of the agreement: the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and Renew Europe. The absence of support from these three groups makes a majority vote for the agreement impossible. A meeting of the political group presidents to discuss this matter is expected to take place in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
Valerie Hayer, the leader of Renew Europe, stated on X that “President Donald Trump’s threats to impose higher tariffs on countries that do not support his plan to annex Greenland are unacceptable.” She further remarked, “It is time to shift from reliance on the EU to deterrence. Therefore, Renew Europe cannot support the EU-US trade agreement.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on Tuesday that the additional tariffs announced by President Trump are misguided. She underscored the importance of honour in international agreements, noting that when allies come together, it should carry significant weight, particularly in reference to the trade agreement concluded between the EU and the US last year.
Donald Trump threatened several European countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland—with additional tariffs until a “complete sale of Greenland” is agreed upon. A 10% tariff will begin on 1 February and could rise to 25% by 1 June. In July 2025, a trade deal was reached between the EU and the US, imposing a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US, including automotive, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical goods.
