EU, US Intensify Talks to Finalize Trade Deal

(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had what was described as a "good exchange" with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, as the European Union intensifies its push to finalize a transatlantic trade agreement before July 9.

According to a spokesperson from the EU, this discussion marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to avoid potential American tariffs.

Speaking during a press conference, EU representative Stefan de Keersmaecker stated that "President von der Leyen had a call with President Trump yesterday, and that they had good exchange, and that indeed the president continues to be in contact with EU leaders."

His remarks emphasize the sustained dialogue between top-level officials in both administrations.

The EU is working under tight pressure to reach a preliminary agreement with the United States before July 9.

This initiative aims to circumvent the imposition of fresh US tariffs, which Washington has indicated are scheduled to begin on August 1 unless a deal is secured.

EU Commission representative Olof Gill confirmed that efforts are intensifying, stating, "We're working towards the 9th of July as the point where we want to have at a minimum agreement in principle with the US."

He noted that there has been measurable headway toward achieving that preliminary understanding.

Gill further mentioned that "good progress" had been recorded during the recent visit of EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to Washington.

Following that trip, additional discussions with EU member nations were held on July 4, and both political and technical conversations have been ongoing since then.

Concluding his remarks, Gill emphasized the EU’s ongoing dedication to securing a mutually beneficial deal, saying, "We are fully committed to finding a deal that benefits EU, businesses, consumers and the overall global economy, as has been our intention from the start."

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