BRUSSELS — The European Union can at most “hope to be handled like the UK” in relation to a commerce settlement with the U.S., Lithuania’s PresidentGitanas Nausėda advised POLITICO.
“It might most likely be the most effective situation,” Nausėda mentioned on the sidelines of a summit with European leaders on Thursday, the place the looming tariff warfare has edged its means onto the agenda.
“However the UK, within the eyes of the US, it’s just a little bit completely different as a associate. And I hope we will likely be handled like the UK — however we’ll see,” he added.
The remarks present how the temper has modified throughout the bloc on the potential pact it hopes to agree with the Donald Trump administration. Brussels at first trashed the settlement that London struck with Washington, however now the EU is coming to phrases with the prospect that protecting a ten p.c baseline tariff is the most effective it could hope for.
Leaders count on an replace from the European Fee over dinner on its talks with the Trump administration — simply as issues mount throughout the bloc that each one items is perhaps hit with a “reciprocal” 50 p.c tariff as quickly as July 9 if Brussels and Washington fail to strike a deal.
The Lithuanian chief additionally mentioned that the EU ought to make the most of constructive momentum between Brussels and Washington after NATO allies agreed a day earlier to spice up protection spending to five p.c of gross home product — a determine Trump had demanded for months. Spain has expressed issues over discovering the funds, however didn’t block language supporting the push.
After the NATO summit in The Hague, “there may be extra understanding about our challenges and we perceive higher the American method,” he added. “Proper now we’ve got very constructive momentum and we’ve got to make use of it to strengthen this transatlantic relationship.”
Nevertheless, with the deadline looming, some are involved {that a} last-minute deal could also be a nasty one, with Germany pushing for a fast answer whereas others, like France, are cautious of signing as much as a suboptimal association.
“A full settlement on tariffs in such a short while is difficult. The one factor that’s doable earlier than July 9 is an settlement in precept — just like the one reached with the U.Okay. and China — based mostly on some ideas. The query is: What are these ideas?” mentioned an EU diplomat.
Gregorio Sorgi contributed to this report.