French Prime Minister Criticizes EU Trade Deal with U.S.
French Prime Minister François Bailloux has voiced strong criticism regarding a recent trade agreement between the European Union and U.S. President Donald Trump. This deal includes a 15% tariff on all EU goods while allowing U.S. products to enter with minimal tariffs.
In his remarks, Bailloux described the arrangement, orchestrated by EU President Ursula von der Leyen, as an act of “obedience,” referring to it as a “dark day” for the European Union.
“It is a dark day when an alliance of free people united in affirming their values and defending their interests resolves to submit,” Bailloux expressed in a recent post.
Echoing his concerns, French trade minister Laurent Saint Martin remarked that “Donald Trump only understands power,” suggesting that a more assertive response might have altered the nature of the agreement.
“It would be better to respond by showing your ability to retaliate before, and this deal might probably look different,” he noted.
Interestingly, French President Emmanuel Macron has not commented on the situation, leaving some analysts speculating that he might be unhappy with the terms of the EU deal.
The newly established tariffs are significantly lower than the 30% tariffs that were set to kick in on August 1 if no agreement was reached. Additionally, the deal entails substantial investments of $750 billion in U.S. energy and $600 billion overall.
“The trade agreement negotiated with the U.S. by the European Commission provides temporary stability for economic actors threatened by the escalation of American tariffs, but that is disproportionate,” said French Minister of European Affairs Benjamin Haddad.
“Let’s be clear. The current situation is unsatisfactory and unsustainable. Free trade, which has fostered shared prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic since WWII, is now being rejected by the United States,” Haddad added.
“The problem has not been resolved. Protectionism, inflation, and uncertainty are impacting American businesses and households, but the immigration policies in place threaten innovation. If Europeans don’t wake up to this reality, the problems of others will look minor compared to our own decline,” he warned.
French officials indicate that the new 15% tariff will cover approximately 70% of EU exports to the U.S., although some sectors like aircraft parts, semiconductor equipment, certain agricultural products, and a few chemicals will be exempt.
