French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on July 23, 2025. RALF HIRSCHBERGER / AFP
France's President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday, July 30, the European Union had not been "feared" enough in negotiations with the United States towards a trade deal, pledging to be "firm" in follow-up talks. "It's not the end of it," Macron told ministers during a cabinet meeting, according to participants.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen clinched the framework accord with US President Donald Trump on Sunday after dashing to Scotland as the August 1 deadline loomed for steep levies that threatened to cripple Europe's economy. EU exports are now set to face tariffs of 15% on most products – higher than customs duties before Trump returned to the White House, but much lower than his threatened 30%.
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Tariffs: The EU's 'lost opportunity'
