The leader of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, expressed a measured response to the recent customs agreement brokered between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump. Weber, speaking to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, characterized the deal as “merely damage limitation” emphasizing the need for the EU to continue pursuing trade agreements with other global regions and reinforcing the importance of a fully integrated single market. He acknowledged, however, that the outcome provides a degree of planning certainty for European businesses.
Conversely, Anton Hofreiter, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, voiced stronger disapproval of the agreement. He stated to the Funke-Mediengruppe that the deal “must never become a reality” urging the European Parliament and the Commission to clearly signal that such arrangements are unsustainable.
Hofreiter criticized the deal’s perceived costs, arguing that it demonstrates a lack of European leverage and leaves the EU susceptible to future pressure. He expressed concern that substantial financial resources are being diverted to the United States at the expense of investments within Europe’s own economy, industry and security, thereby undermining its independence and sovereignty.
Furthermore, Hofreiter issued a stark warning, suggesting that displaying such perceived weakness could embolden authoritarian regimes and create a heightened security risk for Europe.
