The article centers on the ongoing trade negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) under the Trump administration. The main point of contention is the imposition of tariffs by the US, and the EU's attempts to negotiate their removal.
The EU, led by Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, proposed purchasing an additional €50 billion in American goods (technology, soybeans, etc.) to counterbalance the trade deficit. This builds on a previous offer of eliminating all industrial tariffs. This offer, however, is unlikely to satisfy the US, as it doesn't fully address Trump's demands.
The article references previous offers from the EU, highlighting the differences in approaches and demands between the two sides. The US previously requested significantly higher purchase amounts and focused mainly on energy, overlooking the EU's services surplus. Previous attempts to increase US LNG purchases were mentioned.
Despite the EU's efforts to build confidence, pessimism prevails in Brussels regarding a successful agreement. Preparations for countermeasures are underway in case negotiations fail. The 90-day suspension of retaliatory tariffs remains in effect, but the situation remains tense.