Published：Mar 12, 07:48Last updated：Mar 26, 12:14

EU Approves Landmark Trade Deal with US Amid Global Trade Push

Mar. 12, 2026 07:48

On March 12, 2026, the US confirmed its intention to comply with the existing trade agreement with the European Union, despite concerns in Europe and Washington, according to RIA Novosti. The statement was supported by images of diplomatic meetings and official statements.

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Mar. 26, 2026 12:07

The European Parliament approved a revised agreement on US tariffs, amid lingering mistrust due to previous disputes and the Greenland sovereignty issue. The new deal includes a 'Sunrise' clause, allowing the US to verify compliance before tariff reductions. The agreement involves lowering tariffs on automobiles and industrial goods, with the EU planning to eliminate tariffs on US-made energy products. The approval reflects cautious cooperation, with some members expressing concern over US commitments.

Mar. 26, 2026 12:14

The European Parliament approved the implementation of the EU-US trade deal from summer, with conditions. The draft now proceeds to the European Council. This approval was announced on March 26, 2026.

The European Union has taken a decisive step in its global trade strategy by formally approving a landmark trade agreement with the United States, while also advancing deals with Australia and the Mercosur bloc. The European Parliament’s approval on March 26, 2026, marks a turning point in transatlantic economic relations, overcoming years of negotiation delays and political uncertainty. These moves underscore the EU’s determination to secure its economic interests and expand its influence amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and economic headwinds.Bloomberg+2

🤝 EU-US Trade Agreement: Approval and Key Terms

On March 26, 2026, EU lawmakers voted to approve the long-delayed trade deal with the US, originally reached in July 2025. The agreement eliminates EU tariffs on US industrial goods and grants preferential access for US seafood and agricultural products. In exchange, the US will impose a 15% tariff on most EU exports. The deal also features a 'Sunrise' clause, allowing the US to verify EU compliance before tariff reductions take effect, and includes safeguards to address lingering mistrust over past disputes and issues such as Greenland sovereignty. The approval paves the way for further negotiations among EU institutions and member states before full implementation.Huanqiu+2

🌎 Progress on Mercosur and Australian Trade Deals

While the EU-US deal dominates headlines, the EU is also advancing its agreement with the Mercosur bloc, set for provisional application on May 1, 2026 after more than 25 years of negotiation. This pact will connect around 700 million people across Europe and South America, eliminating tariffs and setting predictable trade rules. Meanwhile, the EU has signed a new trade agreement with Australia, highlighted by Ursula von der Leyen’s participation in a traditional Aboriginal ceremony in Sydney, signaling deepening ties despite resistance to the Mercosur deal.Libération+2

⚖️ Political, Legal, and Implementation Challenges

Despite these breakthroughs, both the US and Mercosur agreements face political hurdles and legal scrutiny within the EU. Concerns persist over the impact on European agriculture, environmental standards, and the reliability of US commitments. The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, continues to push for ratification, arguing that the economic and strategic benefits outweigh the risks. The next steps involve further negotiations with the European Council and national governments, with the EU aiming to implement the US deal by summer 2026.Asahi Shimbun+2

MercosurAnthony AlbaneseEuropean CommissionEuropean ParliamentUrsula von der Leyen