European leaders react to US-EU trade deal

The United States and the European Union reached a framework trade agreement imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, averting a larger trade conflict between the two allies who represent nearly one-third of global trade.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou described the agreement as a "sombre day" for the alliance, suggesting it amounted to "submission." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán claimed it was not a true agreement, stating U.S. President Donald Trump dominated EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in negotiations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the deal for preventing a trade conflict that would have severely impacted Germany’s export-driven economy, particularly praising the automotive tariff reduction from 27.5% to 15%. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cautiously viewed the agreement as positive but reserved judgment pending details.

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan saluted the agreement through his press office, calling it a "good omen" that eliminated trade disruptions and uncertainties. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the deal brought predictability while urging continued removal of trade barriers for mutual benefit.