European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen defended the trade agreement reached today with the United States (US) as "the best we could have gotten" and said it should not be underestimated given the threat of 30 percent tariffs looming over the European Union (EU), Reuters reports.
The US and the EU have reached a trade deal that includes a 15 percent tariff on European exports, US President Donald Trump said today after meeting with Von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland.
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Von der Leyen said a basic tariff rate of 15 percent on EU goods imported into the US would apply to most goods, including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
Meanwhile, a zero-for-zero tariff rate has been agreed for certain strategic products, including aircraft and aircraft parts, certain chemicals and certain generic medicines. No decision has been made on the rate for wine and spirits, she added.
Asked whether she thought 15 percent was a good deal for European carmakers, von der Leyen told reporters: "15 percent should not be underestimated, but it is the best we could get."
The EU has committed to buying US liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear fuel worth $750 billion over three years.
"We still have too much Russian LNG coming in through the back door," von der Leyen said.
The EC has proposed phasing out Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028.
"Today's agreement creates certainty in uncertain times, bringing stability and predictability," von der Leyen told reporters before leaving Scotland.
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