EU Urges Response to Trump's Statements

The European Union (EU) has begun implementing its trade agreement with the United States (US) by reducing tariffs on certain US goods, a move that has been met with caution from the EU's competition chief, Margrethe Vestager.

In a series of statements, Vestager warned that the EU should not yield to external pressures and must defend its regulatory powers, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). She emphasized that companies operating in the EU must follow the same laws as everyone else.

This stance comes in response to threats from former US President Donald Trump, who had threatened potential trade penalties and export restrictions against the EU if it implemented its digital regulations. Despite these threats, the EU proceeded with digital regulations and imposed a major antitrust fine on Google's parent company Alphabet.

Brussels reserves the right to reassess its commitments if the US introduces new measures. Vestager also stated that the EU cannot accept any demands from the US and cannot be subject to the will of a third country.

Margrethe Vestager's comments were reported by the Financial Times. The current status of negotiations between the EU and US regarding the trade agreement was not specified. However, it is worth noting that major US players, including X, Apple, and Meta, are currently under EU investigations.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had hailed the agreement signed with the US in July as a step towards "stability and predictability" in transatlantic relations. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact the future of this agreement.

Vestager also made it clear that the EU had tried to rebuild trust with the US, but there would be no concessions on regulation. She further stated that if there are attempts to renegotiate the agreement, the question arises whether there will be an agreement at all.

In conclusion, the EU-US trade agreement is at risk if Washington responds negatively to Brussels' digital laws, according to Margrethe Vestager. The EU is committed to upholding its regulatory powers and ensuring a level playing field for all companies operating within its borders.