EU-US Trade Talks Near July 9 Deadline Amid Tariff Threats

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the complexity and importance of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, aiming for an agreement by the July 9 deadline. President Donald Trump has paused his threat to impose 50% tariffs on EU imports, allowing more time for negotiations focused on details, though no deal is yet guaranteed. Both EU leaders stressed that the primary issue between Europe and the U.S. is European defense, urging that trade tensions should not undermine economic stability or the EU's capacity to assume greater defense responsibilities. Von der Leyen expressed optimism about progress but cautioned against creating economic uncertainty, while Costa highlighted the need to avoid protectionism and maintain strong trade relations, given the EU's significant exports to the U.S. The G7 summit serves as a platform to address these allied concerns, with a shared emphasis on cooperation and burden-sharing in defense rather than escalating trade conflicts.