French PM Declares EU-US Trade Deal a ‘Dark Day’ for Europe
In a whirlwind of events during US President Donald Trump’s five-day visit to Scotland, a significant moment unfolded with potentially far-reaching implications for Europe. The visit saw Trump meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, engaging on pressing global issues, including the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and concluding with the signing of a contentious trade agreement with the EU.
President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a trade deal that has ignited criticism across the continent. The agreement, which imposes a 15% tariff on goods entering the United States, has raised alarm among EU leaders, including French Prime Minister, who labeled the day of the signing a "dark day" for Europe.
The newly implemented tariffs are expected to have significant repercussions for European industries, raising concerns about potential economic fallout. Critics argue that the deal undermines the EU’s market position and could exacerbate existing trade tensions, further complicating transatlantic relations.
As discussions around the implications of the deal unfold, politicians and analysts alike are scrutinizing the motivations behind this agreement. With Trump’s administration often characterized by its ‘America First’ stance, the focus remains on how such policies will shape the future of international trade.
The ramifications of this agreement could extend beyond economics, as it also reflects a growing schism in the geopolitical landscape. The French PM’s stark warning serves as a rallying cry for European unity and resilience in the face of external pressures.
As Europe grapples with these developments, the call for solidarity and a reevaluation of trade strategies may become increasingly urgent. The discourse on this "dark day" highlights not only the fragility of international alliances but also the need for Europe to assert its position in a rapidly changing world.
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Video “French PM: EU-US trade deal a 'dark day' for Europe | DW News” was uploaded on 07/29/2025 to Youtube Channel DW News
It's still a take it or face the consequences deal. Time to decide.
Looks like Ursula von der Leyen changed the EU flag to the white flag of surrender.
It's a lousy deal. Will the EU pay for US prosperity? Impeach the incompetent Ursula as soon as possible.
When Europe tariffs, tax and restrics, American goods, it's just good business and good governance. 😢😢😢😢 When the Americans tariff the Europeans it's considered a threat, the betrayal of a sacred alliance, and hegemony. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
How about the unelected Ursula von der Leyen go and instead let some competent people take her place
Both sides are not happy with the deal. So it seems like von der Leyen managed a perfect compromise.
Pls remove Ursula von der Leyen and counter this taxes
Journo needs to be clearer on what 'access' means, that's what journalists are for.
haha
Funny how EU charges 20-25% in VAT to any product sold there but complains abt a charge of 15% when selling abroad.
Lots of TDS
Wonderful deal Ursula…
In fact the alternative was better. If EU hadnt signed the deal there would have been an additional 15% tariff roughly equals 150 billlion usd. Even if we assume the whole burden falls on EU exporters (which is unlikely) it is still less than 600 billion USD which EU is jsut giving for free. On the top addional energy and defense purchase. I am unable to comprehend how the alternative is not better.
EU is weak and German is even more weak…Now world lost trust EU’s ability. EU choices women leader and it is happened. Without power, talking about human right is useless.
Europe doesnt get to take advantage of Amercans anymore. ❤❤❤
She was a weak Minister in Germany and is a weak president
Feel useless. Just remember the EU backslap to China for this trade deal 😂😂😂😂
Seems like there’s no Muscles in Brussels.
The incompetence of the EU-commisiion is mindblowing. a 5 year old would do a better job. When negotiating the worst thing to be is a coward. The so called deal is so bad that calls for the resignation of Von der Leyen are warranted.
Announcer misspoke. EU does not pay the 15% tariffs. Americans will be paying the 15% tariffs. Like a tax. Causing the EU products to be higher by 15%. Be wild if EU companies had to give 15% in cash to federal government to be allowed to sale their merchandise to Americans. The 15% would still be added to cost of merchandise.
The art of the deal
DEAL ❌
BILL ✅
USA would've pulled out of NATO!!!
the deal is a massive political win for trump. But there will probably be consequences in the long run. This complete humiliation of the EU will no doubt fuel both anti-EU and anti-US sentiment in Europe. It's hard to predict what that will lead to, but i don't think it will be good for neither EU or US.
The deal only has to last long enough for Trump to get a fantastic ego massage, in exchange he puts the pressure on Russia to stop the Ukraine war, and he get the Israel's out of Gaza. It's a well rounded deal.
If the EU Doesn't Want to Trade With the United States They Can Always Trade Their Goods Among Themselves, China or Russia. 🤔
No, it's a step forward.
does trump use the war in Ukraine as a tool for getting his trade deal?
Sure, EU can stand strong – and whatever tariff EU wants to levy, the Americans will add to the 15%. EU has large trade surplus with the US. Make that even, and then come back and negotiate a lower or none tariff.
That is the creepiest hand shake I have ever seen❤
In the end, Americans importers pay the tariffs, European companies , depending on countries costs, will loose some competitiveness a door close, we will open others. Americans will pay more for some products that won't be easy to replace or make in the USA soon. What deal was there to make anyway, Trump need to raise taxes to fund part of his taxe breaks for wealthy people and to hurt some people to satisfy his angry voters. I don't believe for a second Trump cares about reindustrialization of the USA or trade deficit, when the goal of the other party is to hurt you, there is not much to do …
Why Europeans think the blood and treasure USA paid in WW2 and post-war will never need to be paid 😅 ? Is it better to surrender to the Russians ? Come on you need to get real DW commentator! 😅😂
How did the EU "Cave In"
-Americans will pay the 15% tariffs
-EU already invests in America
-EU already buys military weapons
If anyone is screwed, it's Americans 🤣
EU will be more dependent on China and its markets. Meanwhile US producers can rise prices because they will be protected from competition at home. Lose-Lose policy.
Weren’t all the EU politicians saying they knew how to “Deal with Trump”
Looks like Trump “Dealt with them.”
😂😂😂
So, this deal came after EU economy ministers' internal conference, von der Leyen is basically just a messenger, France said they don't like this deal, that means it was Germany that buckled under pressure and instructed von der Leyen to give in?
We are not paying 15%. The imports get 15% more expensive (and that is baseline, unclear both exceptions up and down). That means eventually it will be paid by the consumers/buyers in the U.S., short term some up to all of it will be paid split between the exporting and importing companies at reductions of earnings, which means reduction of economic growth on both sides, because less will be traded. But no, we are certainly not paying their tariffs, don't adopt Trump's language.
EU diplomats should resign. this is unacceptable !!!
When US can't ripoff other countries that show them a middle finger like China, Russia, India, Brazil etc. they have no problems ripping off their subordinate friends EU.
It's like family relationship. If you are silently accept the abuse first time and then the second will happen and more coming. There's no end of it.
Can we increase 100% tax for ASML to Taiwan ?
Was the vaseline also made in USA?
seems not a surrender for EU. since EU was the winner for too long. USA just basically made a draw with EU.
Europe Dark day Trade deals your foot.
back when journalism was honest, they would have informed us that before trump took office, the tariffs were as low as… 1,2%
Maybe if Europeans hadn't talked down to the US for 80 years while we protected them?
Wait until you see the details.