European Parliament President Roberta Metsola called the agreement proof that “Europe is a reliable partner,” stressing that the transatlantic relationship supports 16 million jobs. “Built on mutual respect, it makes us all stronger,” she wrote.
Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič hailed the compromise as a “strong result” in negotiations. And German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the deal “good news from Strasbourg,” saying Europe was delivering “more security and stability for our companies.” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted the agreement would provide “economic stability and certainty” for businesses exporting to the U.S.
Some struck a noticeably more cautious tone.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday morning in Strasbourg, Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, said he “wouldn’t call it a good deal.”
After writing on X that “the original blind flight has been averted,” Lange said that he personally would not have struck the agreement the same way as von der Leyen. Still, he stressed Parliament would “stand by this deal” because the Commission had negotiated it on behalf of the EU.
Lange also pushed back against suggestions Brussels had folded under Trump’s tariff threats. “We have to make clear that this is our duty to protect the European interests,” he said, while acknowledging there were still doubts over whether Washington would ultimately accept every part of the legislation.