On March 19, the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade voted on a proposed trade deal with the United States. So, Brussels has unblocked the ratification process, provided that a special protective amendment is included to shield European interests from the policy volatility of Donald Trump.

Bloomberg reported that the agreement would not enter into force until Washington implements its commitments in full. Lawmakers reached the decision on the back of new investigations by US Trade Representative Jamison Greer into EU trade practices, which risk prompting increased tariff pressure.

The text agreed in July 2025 envisages the complete removal of tariffs on American industrial goods while capping tariffs on EU exports at 15%. Previous diplomatic tensions and US Supreme Court rulings had blocked the deal’s ratification.

European legislators are keen to avoid a full-blown trade war and to maintain Washington’s commitments on regional security. If the parliament approves the text in April 2026, the agreement will be sent to EU member states for final ratification.