EU lawmakers divided over resuming work on US trade deal after Greenland crisis
The EU, which suspended the deal in protest against Trump’s demand to take over Greenland, has put off a decision until next week
The European Parliament has put off until next week a decision on whether to resume work on the EU’s trade deal with the United States, which it had suspended in protest against US President Donald Trump’s demands to acquire Greenland and threats of tariffs.
The parliament’s trade committee had been expected to set its position in votes on Monday and Tuesday, and the assembly’s president, Roberta Metsola, said last week discussions could resume soon to get the process back on track.
But German Social Democrat lawmaker Bernd Lange, who chairs the trade committee, said in a social media post on Monday that no decision had been taken.
“European Parliament negotiating team will meet again next Wednesday, 4 February, to reassess the situation,” he wrote, adding a decision needed to be made in time for the next committee meeting on February 23 and 24.
Swedish Liberal Karin Karlsbro said improved US-EU trade relations were vital but needed to be built on mutual respect. “The door is open, but there is no need to rush the timetable,” she said in a statement.
Any move to significantly delay or freeze the deal would risk angering Trump, which could lead to higher US tariffs. The Trump administration has also ruled out concessions, such as cutting tariffs on spirits or steel, until the deal is in place.