Brussels: The Chairman of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, German MEP Bernd Lange, announced that the European Parliament is set to resume efforts to approve the trade agreement with the United States. According to Kuwait News Agency, Lange emphasized that the trade committee members are dedicated to advancing discussions on the Turnberry legislative proposals, which are crucial for implementing the deal. These efforts hinge on the US respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the European Union and its member states, as well as fully complying with the agreement reached in July 2025. Lange highlighted these conditions as fundamental for any progress in the trade negotiations between the two parties. Lange mentioned that the committee might make a decision during its meeting scheduled for February 24, before presenting the matter for a vote in the European Parliament's plenary session. This development follows the European Parliament's decision to freeze ratification pro cedures for the trade deal last January. The freeze was in response to former US President Donald Trump's threats to impose additional tariffs on European countries after his demand to take control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Further, Lange stated that the parliamentary committee plans to include "grounds for suspension" in its amendments. This provision would enable the European Union to suspend the agreement if there are any threats to the territorial integrity of member states or their security interests. He emphasized the importance of conveying to Washington that respect for Europe's sovereignty and full compliance with the EU-US deal are imperative. Lange also criticized the ongoing 50 percent tariffs imposed by the United States on European steel and aluminum imports, urging for a reduction to 15 percent to allow tariff-free access for US steel and aluminum in the European market.
