The European Union has decided to suspend ratification of a trade agreement with the USA following President Donald Trump's announcements regarding new tariff rates. Although the Washington administration will stop collecting some tariffs deemed illegal starting tomorrow, Brussels demands full clarity and respect for existing pacts. Simultaneously, the Italian government has nominated Maurizio Martina for FAO Director-General, which is intended to strengthen Rome's position on the international stage.

EU-US Agreement Frozen

Brussels has suspended ratification of the trade agreement following Donald Trump's threats to impose new tariffs on goods from Europe.

Italian Offensive at FAO

The government in Rome has officially nominated Maurizio Martina as a candidate for head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

No Consensus on Russia

Kaja Kallas does not foresee progress in negotiations on another sanctions package due to Hungary's veto and disputes over dialogue with Moscow.

Suspension of US Tariffs

The US administration is grappling with the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling from February 20, which deemed existing tariffs illegal, forcing Washington to reorganize the tariff fee system.

Tensions between Brussels and Washington have reached a critical point following the decision to suspend the approval process for the summer trade agreement. Ratification was suspended in response to Donald Trump's announcements about imposing new, universal tariff rates on all imports ranging from 10 to 15 percent. Although the American judiciary has forced the suspension of some existing fees starting tomorrow, European leaders, including Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, emphasize the need to maintain EU unity. Tajani noted that Europe is not seeking a trade war, but expects clear declarations from the USA. Since the establishment of the European Economic Community in 1957, Europe has aimed to create common negotiation blocs to balance the economic dominance of the United States in world trade. Simultaneously, divisions within the European Union are growing regarding Eastern policy. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas admitted she does not expect a breakthrough on new sanctions against Russia due to Hungary's resistance. Berlin views Paris's proposals to resume dialogue with Moscow with distance, considering it a wrong signal given the Kremlin's lack of readiness for compromise. In the shadow of these disputes, Italy is pushing the candidacy of Maurizio Martina for FAO leadership, hoping for success in the elections planned for next year. 1,1826 — euro to dollar exchange rate following EU decisions The economic situation in Europe remains uncertain, as seen on the Milan stock exchange, where despite good results from Enel after announcing its strategic plan, main indices are behaving cautiously. Experts indicate that upcoming diplomatic meetings, including potential talks between Antonio Tajani and the American administration on trade stabilization, will be crucial for future relations. Until then, European corporations such as Stellantis must operate under conditions of heightened regulatory risk on both sides of the Atlantic. „Sui dazi ora serve unit dell'Ue, piena fiducia in Sefcovic.” (On tariffs, EU unity is now needed, full confidence in Sefcovic.) — Antonio Tajani

Mentioned People

  • Antonio Tajani — Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, participant in trade negotiations with the USA.
  • Kaja Kallas — EU foreign policy chief, pessimistically assessing chances for new sanctions against Russia.
  • Maurizio Martina — Italian candidate for FAO Director-General.