The European Parliament on Tuesday approved legislation to implement the EU–U.S. trade agreement, completing the final parliamentary step required before the deal formally comes into force.
The EU Parliament granted final approval to legislation implementing the EU‑U.S. trade deal concluded last year, advancing tariff reductions while establishing safeguards to protect European industry and agriculture. The legislation gives legal effect to the commitments set out in the joint statement agreed between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland in July 2025.
Lawmakers adopted the principal regulation by 440 votes to 151, with 50 abstentions, authorizing tariff‑free access for all U.S. industrial goods and preferential treatment for a range of American seafood and agricultural products. A second measure, passed by 444 votes to 152 with 54 abstentions, extends tariff‑free imports of U.S. lobster and broadens the arrangement to include processed lobster products.
The European Commission presented the corresponding proposals a month later, although their adoption required extended negotiations between the EU Parliament and the Council.
The Parliament and member states reinforced the Commission’s original draft by introducing additional safeguards, including a sunset clause under which the tariff preferences will expire on December 31, 2029, unless renewed. The agreed framework also empowers the Commission to suspend tariff concessions if the United States continues to apply tariffs exceeding 15% on EU steel and aluminum derivative products after December 31, 2026.
“With this milestone, we are days away from fulfilling our commitment to remove tariffs on imports of US industrial goods. With full implementation on both sides, our agreement will deliver even more benefits for citizens and businesses,” von der Leyen wrote on X.
A wider suspension mechanism has also been introduced, allowing the EU to respond if Washington fails to address concerns over tariffs affecting specific European exports that were previously subject to an all-inclusive 15% tariff ceiling.
The legislation further creates a safeguard framework enabling the European Commission to investigate and take action against sudden import surges that could cause serious harm to EU industries, including agriculture. The proposal now awaits formal approval by the Council of the European Union.
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