Uncertainty surrounding the ratification of the EU-US trade agreement remains after the European Parliament decided to ‘freeze’ it amid American threats over Greenland and the introduction of additional tariffs for several countries in the bloc.
According to the European bureau Report, MEPs plan to discuss ‘unfreezing’ the agreement next week.
The Trade Committee noted that it discussed the issue with representatives of the European Commission on Monday.
Before returning to the issue of ratification, MPs want to know more about the so-called ‘framework’ agreement on Greenland, after which US President Donald Trump agreed to drop his claims and refrain from introducing new tariffs.
Bernd Lange, chairman of the trade committee, told reporters that the trade agreement will be discussed in parliamentary groups next Wednesday, 4 February.
‘There are some good elements, but also a lot of uncertainty,’ Lange said, referring to the agreement on Greenland.
The pact on Greenland, agreed verbally between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte last Wednesday, provided for the US to drop its threat to impose tariffs of up to 25% on eight European countries, including Denmark, Germany and France.
