(Reuters) -The U.S. struck a framework trade agreement with the European Union on Sunday, imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods and averting a bigger trade war between the two allies that
European leaders react to US-EU trade deal
Reactions from European Leaders
(Reuters) -The U.S. struck a framework trade agreement with the European Union on Sunday, imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods and averting a bigger trade war between the two allies that account for almost a third of global trade.
French Prime Minister's Perspective
Following are reactions from European leaders to the deal.
Hungarian Prime Minister's Comments
FRENCH PRIME MINISTER FRANCOIS BAYROU
German Chancellor's Viewpoint
"It is a sombre day when an alliance of free peoples, brought together to affirm their common values and to defend their common interests, resigns itself to submission."
Italian Prime Minister's Concerns
HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN
Finnish Prime Minister's Insights
"This is not an agreement ... Donald Trump ate von der Leyen for breakfast, this is what happened and we suspected this would happen as the U.S. president is a heavyweight when it comes to negotiations while Madame President is featherweight."
Swedish Trade Minister's Assessment
GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ
Irish Trade Minister's Remarks
"This agreement has succeeded in averting a trade conflict that would have hit the export-orientated German economy hard.
This applies in particular to the automotive industry, where the current tariffs of 27.5% will be almost halved to 15%."
ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI
"I consider it positive that there is an agreement, but if I don't see the details I am not able to judge it in the best way."
FINNISH PRIME MINISTER PETTERI ORPO
"The agreement brings much-needed predictability to the global economy and Finnish companies. Work must continue to dismantle trade barriers. Only free transatlantic trade benefits both sides the most."
SWEDISH TRADE MINISTER BENJAMIN DOUSA
"This agreement does not make anyone richer, but it may be the least bad alternative. What appears to be positive for Sweden, based on an initial assessment, is that the agreement creates some predictability."
IRISH TRADE MINISTER SIMON HARRIS
"A deal provides a measure of much needed certainty for Irish, European and American businesses who together represent the most integrated trading relationship in the world.
While Ireland regrets that the baseline tariff of 15% is included in the agreement, it is important that we now have more certainty on the foundations for the EU-US trade relationship, which is essential for jobs, growth and investment."
(Reporting by Reuters bureauxEditing by Ros Russell)
