Deputy Head of the European Parliament Katarina Barley believes that the trade deal between the EU and the United States increases Europe's dependence on Washington and demonstrates its weakness. On July 27, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and US President Donald Trump reached an agreement according to which a duty of 15% is imposed on almost all exports from the EU to the United States. The European Union also pledged to increase purchases of American LNG, nuclear fuel and weapons. Barley, representing the Social Democratic Party of Germany, called the agreement not an equal one, but a compromise that damages important European sectors. According to her, the deal only deepens Europe's structural dependence on the United States and indicates the weakness of the European Commission, which succumbed to pressure. The politician noted that the preservation of strategic independence is more important for the EU than duties. She stressed the need to invest in critical technologies, develop digital infrastructure and strengthen the security system. This is the only way Europe can strengthen its position in the international arena, Barley concluded.
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