TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United States President Donald Trump has given the European Union a deadline until July 4, 2026, to fully implement the trade agreement with the United States. Trump has threatened to increase import tariffs to a "much higher" level if the EU does not fulfill its commitments.
The threat was made by Trump on Thursday, May 7, 2026, after a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to Euronews, the statement also postponed Trump's threat last week to raise tariffs on European-made cars from 15 percent to 25 percent in the near future.
Trump expressed his disappointment regarding the delayed implementation of last year's trade agreement with Europe. In his Truth Social post, Trump stated that he had been waiting for the EU to fulfill its part of the agreement.
"I've been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfill their side of the historic trade deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest trade deal, ever!" wrote Trump.
He continued, "A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the deal and, as per agreement, cut their tariffs to zero!"
Trump said he agreed to give von der Leyen more time until July 4, Independence Day in the United States, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence from Britain this year.
Implementation of the U.S.-EU Agreement
As reported by CNA, the U.S. and the EU actually reached a trade agreement last July. The agreement set tariffs for most European products at 15 percent to prevent the U.S. from imposing additional duties.
In return, the EU committed to reducing the remaining tariffs on U.S. goods. However, the full implementation of the agreement still requires approval from the EU member states and finalization of legislation in the European Parliament.
The latest negotiations between the member states and the European Parliament on Wednesday night did not result in an agreement. However, legislators noted progress towards a possible resolution by May 19.
One of the main points of contention is the demand by some members of the European Parliament for the agreement to include a safeguard clause in case Trump violates the joint commitment or threatens the integrity of EU territory again.
The demand arose after Trump threatened to take Greenland from Denmark by force. Some European legislators believe that a protection clause is necessary to anticipate changes in Washington's stance.
However, EU member states prefer to maintain the original text of the agreement and promptly implement the trade agreement without additional clauses.
Von der Leyen Confident Agreement Can Be Ratified
On her social media, von der Leyen stated that the EU is fully committed to implementing the agreement before Trump's given deadline.
"We remain fully committed, on both sides, to its implementation. Good progress is being made towards tariff reduction by early July," said von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen also noted that, based on the agreement reached on a 15 percent tariff, the U.S. cannot unilaterally impose additional tariffs on EU products.
Read: US Court Deals Fresh Blow to Trump's 10% Tariff Policy
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