EditFrance’s sharp rebuke of EU-US trade deal highlights tensions with Commission President
The critique not only challenges the trade deal’s merits but also tests von der Leyen’s ability to unify the EU
The European Union’s recent framework trade agreement with the United States, announced on 27 July has sparked sharp divisions within the bloc, with France’s unusually vehement criticism exposing underlying tensions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is already politically weakened following a narrowly survived censure motion in June 2025.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou denounced the deal as a “submission” on X, framing it as a betrayal of European values and interests, a pointed critique that analysts interpret as targeting von der Leyen’s leadership in trade negotiations.
“It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, brought together to affirm their common values and to defend their common interests, resigns itself to submission,” Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wrote on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron made no public comment.
While the mood among other European governments was decidedly sombre, most agreed that the failure to strike a deal would have been disastrous.
US-EU tariff truce brings fragile stability after months of brinkmanship
Several EU countries acknowledged that the deal establishes some certainty with Europe’s biggest trading partner following months of turmoil, with Sweden, for example, calling it the “least bad alternative” and Spain backing it, albeit “without enthusiasm.”
Even Germany said more work was necessary, including with regards to the steel sector.
The agreement, which imposes a 15% U.S. tariff on most EU goods starting next month – half the 30% rate threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump – averts a full-scale trade war but is widely acknowledged as lopsided, favoring U.S. interests while burdening European exporters.
Further negotiations over the coming weeks will be held to reach a full-fledged deal.
France’s dissent, rooted in its status as the EU’s second-largest economy, underscores growing frustration with von der Leyen’s handling of transatlantic relations, particularly after her censure motion victory came at the cost of significant criticism from EU capitals for perceived concessions to U.S. pressure.
The agreement, which includes a $600 billion EU private-sector investment pledge and $750 billion in strategic purchases like oil and LNG over three years, aims to stabilize trade with the U.S., the EU’s largest trading partner.
However, uncertainties around implementation – such as the feasibility of meeting U.S. energy demands and finalizing specifics by 1 August – raise doubts about its long-term viability.
While U.S. LNG production capacity is due to almost double over the next four years it will still not be enough to ramp up supplies to Europe, and oil production is expected to be lower than previously forecast this year.
Bayrou’s remarks amplify France’s broader discontent with von der Leyen’s leadership, which has been further strained by uneven enforcement of EU sanctions and trade policies. This discord, set against von der Leyen’s fragile political standing, signals potential challenges for EU cohesion as further negotiations loom, with member states like Germany already calling for adjustments to protect critical sectors like steel.
Von der Leyen survived a censure motion in June 2025, but the process significantly weakened her political standing due to widespread criticism from MEPs from several groups.
The French critique thus not only challenges the trade deal’s merits but also tests von der Leyen’s ability to unify the EU under pressure from both internal dissent and external economic threats.
The European Parliament S&D Group warned that while a 15% tariff is an improvement on 30%, it remains an unjustified and illegal tax on European consumers and businesses. Brando Benifei, S&D coordinator in the international trade committee and chair of the Parliament’s delegation to the US, said the deal “sends the wrong signal”.
“If we fold under pressure, what’s to stop Trump from coming after our legislation next?
He added:
“As the world’s largest trading bloc, the EU has far more leverage than we used. We are the only side facing a 15% tariff. At the same time, we have pledged hundreds of billions in investment in the US, instead of backing our own industries. It’s crucial to, at least, extend the list of tariff-free products.”
With Reuters, edited by g.g.
Caption: Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen in Kananaskis, Canada, 16 June 2025. [Europe by Satellite]
Updated: July 29, 2025 - 06:58
