Core Points - The EU and the US reached a trade agreement on July 27, which President Trump called "the largest trade agreement in history," while EU Commission President von der Leyen emphasized its importance for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic [1] - The agreement has faced increasing criticism from European leaders, particularly regarding its perceived imbalance, with German Chancellor Merz stating it would cause "significant damage" to the Eurozone's largest economy [1][2] - The agreement includes a 15% tariff on EU products entering the US, which is lower than the threatened 30% but still higher than the EU's initial goal of zero tariffs [2][3] Trade Agreement Details - The US will impose a 15% tariff on EU imports, while the EU commits to increasing investments in the US by $600 billion and purchasing $750 billion worth of US energy products [1][5] - The agreement is seen as asymmetric, favoring US interests and potentially harming EU industries, particularly the automotive sector, which may face significant long-term costs [2][5][7] Reactions from European Leaders - French Prime Minister Borne expressed disappointment, calling it a "dark day" for the EU, and emphasized the need for Europe to reassess its strength in global trade [2][3] - Other European leaders, including the Irish and Spanish Prime Ministers, also voiced concerns about the agreement's implications for transatlantic trade and the need for Europe to strengthen its trade relations with other countries [3][5] Economic Implications - The agreement could lead to increased costs for European exports, particularly in sectors like cosmetics and wine, with potential job losses in France estimated at 5,000 due to the new tariffs [5][6] - The US may also face economic repercussions, with potential job losses exceeding 17,000 in the wine and spirits sector due to the 15% tariff on European imports [6][7] Future Considerations - The effectiveness of the EU's "submission strategy" in negotiations with the US remains uncertain, with concerns about the stability and enforceability of the agreement [7] - The next steps involve the US issuing executive orders to implement the agreement, while the EU will need to draft legal documents, which may take several weeks [6][7]