EPP Group calls for swift conclusion of US trade deal to deliver certainty for businesses

Following the second round of negotiations on the EU-US “Turnberry” trade agreement with representatives of the EU member states and the European Commission, Željana Zovko MEP, the EPP Group’s lead MEP on trade relations with the US, said the talks have already delivered progress but now require stronger efforts to reach a swift conclusion.

While the EPP Group continues to push for a pragmatic deal focused on predictability, stability, and legal certainty for European businesses, Zovko said the responsibility now lies with the European Parliament’s lead negotiator Bernd Lange (S&D) to finalise the talks. "Securing a stable agreement is essential to strengthening and deepening the transatlantic partnership," Zovko insisted.

The EU has shown that it is a credible, reliable, and trustworthy partner, committed to constructive dialogue and stability in global trade. The deal, however, cannot be sidetracked by wider geopolitical tensions or US domestic politics, as the delays are already hitting European businesses and workers. "The costs of continued uncertainty are not borne by politicians, but by companies, industries, and employees facing uncertainty every single day. Attempts to score short-term political points are unacceptable," Zovko warned.

“Despite its shortcomings, the Turnberry deal remains the most viable option currently available and must not be held back by geopolitical infighting,” added Jörgen Warborn MEP, EPP Group spokeman on international trade. Warborn called for a swift conclusion to provide predictability for businesses, while providing the European Commission with the tools to suspend the agreement if its terms are not respected.

The final round of negotiations with the EU Member States and the European Commission is scheduled for 19 May, with the European Parliament’s final vote expected in June.