EU-US Trade Negotiators Fail to Reach Deal Ahead of May 19 Vote

No agreement was reached during the session despite extended discussions. A diplomatic source told Euronews on condition of anonymity that the legislative file is expected to receive approval on 19 May. U.S. Ambassador to Brussels Andrew Puzder told Bloomberg that Washington and Brussels reached a trade deal last year.

"Our representatives put it to paper in August. We cut the tariffs, retroactive to August 1 on automobiles. You've done nothing for nine months," he said. He added that discussions will continue in the coming weeks. Officials representing member states said there is a commitment to move swiftly with the implementation of the EU-US joint statement and to work with the European Parliament.

The talks remain focused on reaching a successful and balanced outcome in a timely manner for European businesses.

The negotiations took place against the backdrop of repeated tariff threats from the United States. That rate exceeds the 15% tariff cap on European exports set out in the Turnberry agreement. Prior to Wednesday's meeting, one European diplomat told Euronews that conditions proposed by members of the European Parliament went too far.

A Socialist MEP said Trump's continued threats had led the parliament to insist on solid guarantees. The European Parliament and Council entered the talks with slim prospects of a breakthrough, according to reports. The discussions operated under tight deadlines and strict demands from both sides.

The process now moves toward a vote scheduled for 19 May.

EU officials will continue talks with their U.S. counterparts in the weeks ahead. The outcome could affect tariff levels on automobiles and other goods traded between the two economies.