European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will address the European Parliament today in a high-stakes bid to defend the recently signed trade accord with U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement, which has sparked widespread criticism across party lines, will be a central focus of von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union speech.
The July deal imposes a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the United States, while offering exemptions for select sectors such as aerospace. In return, the EU has committed to increased purchases of American energy, the removal of tariffs on U.S. industrial goods, and preferential access for U.S. seafood and agricultural products.
Von der Leyen is expected to argue that the deal was the best possible outcome under intense geopolitical pressure, citing the need to preserve transatlantic stability and secure continued U.S. support for European defense initiatives. “This is clearly the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances,” said EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič earlier this week.
However, backlash has been swift and vocal. Critics from across the political spectrum have labeled the agreement a “humiliation” and a “surrender” to Washington, with a recent poll showing 52% of Europeans share that sentiment. Key parliamentary blocs, including the Socialists and Democrats, have threatened to vote against the enabling legislation, while centrists remain divided.
“The lesson of this agreement: We are an economic giant but a political dwarf,” said Valérie Hayer, leader of the liberal Renew group.
Von der Leyen’s speech will also touch on broader themes of competitiveness and defense, as she seeks to rally support for her second-term agenda amid rising political polarization and internal dissent.