EU Trade Commissioner Anticipates Swift Customs Agreement: Breakthrough Expected

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has firmly rejected the confrontational stance towards the USA in the ongoing tariff dispute. “I believe it’s crucial that in this particular instance, we adhere to the agreements already made, as this provides security to all involved,” he stated in an exclusive interview with ARD Studio Brussels at the Europe Forum.

Certain factions within the European Parliament and some member states had advocated for a more stringent approach against the USA.

Negotiations between the Commission, the Council, and the Parliament are expected to conclude by June, according to Sefcovic. He views the ultimatum set by US President Donald Trump for the 4th of July as aligning with the EU’s timeline, thus not adding any extra pressure: “It completely matches our schedules,” he said.

“Adhere to Facts, Not Emotions”

“We should stick to the facts, not emotions, and act pragmatically and rationally,” Sefcovic advised. Despite all the turbulence, the EU aims to implement last year’s Turnberry Agreement, he told ARD.

The 2025 Turnberry Agreements stipulate that EU importers into the USA will pay a maximum tariff rate of 15%, while imports from the USA to the EU will largely be duty-free.

The agreement has not yet been enacted by the EU, partially due to the Greenland crisis and decisions by the US Trade Court in Brussels raising doubts about the reliability of the US partner.

Job Risks in Germany Over Tariff Dispute

Sefcovic has explicitly refused the new demand from the US for additional tariffs of 25% on cars and trucks, stating that the EU will not accept more than the agreed 15%. His stance is in line with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently described the new US demand as “unacceptable.”

“We must be very clear about how crucial economic stability is,” Sefcovic emphasized, adding, “Failing to secure this significant deal for everyone could jeopardize 54,000 jobs in Germany’s automobile industry.”