The pact caps most U.S. tariffs on EU items at 15 p.c, together with on automobiles and prescribed drugs, and carves out exemptions for generics and plane components.
Critics, together with former World Commerce Group boss Pascal Lamy, have warned the accord dangers undermining Europe’s credibility as a defender of rules-based commerce.
However von der Leyen insisted the EU had secured a singular end result: a single tariff ceiling of 15 p.c, not like the layered charges Washington applies to different companions.
She additionally burdened that EU meals security, well being and digital guidelines stay untouched, and pointed to Brussels’ efforts to diversify commerce ties, together with via offers with Mexico, the South American bloc of Mercosur international locations, and a purpose of clinching a pact with India earlier than yr’s finish.
Von der Leyen echoed former European Central Financial institution chief Mario Draghi, who on Friday known as to tear down inner market limitations, arguing they do extra to hobble development than any overseas tariff. “If Europe needs to completely unlock its potential, that is probably the most pressing problem,” she wrote.
