EU Commission President Defends US Trade Deal, Warns Against Tariffs

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has strongly defended the EU-US trade deal negotiated with President Donald Trump, emphasizing it as a deliberate measure to prevent a damaging trade war between the two largest democratic economies. She warned that failure to reach an agreement would have benefited geopolitical rivals like Russia and China, who would have celebrated such a conflict. Von der Leyen described the deal as "strong, if not perfect," highlighting the 15% cap on US tariffs on key European exports including cars, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, while acknowledging some criticisms. She argued that retaliatory tariffs would have negative consequences for workers, consumers, and industry across Europe and stressed the importance of stability and predictability over escalation. Despite criticism from figures like Mario Draghi, who suggested the deal undermines the EU's credibility as a global actor, von der Leyen pointed to ongoing efforts to diversify trade partnerships with countries such as Mexico, Mercosur, Switzerland, and India. She concluded by urging for a strong, independent Europe focused on completing the single market and enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.