A European Commission spokesperson announced on Monday that discussions with the United States regarding a preliminary trade agreement are progressing well, as Brussels races to avoid the imposition of new tariffs.
Stefan De Keersmaecker explained that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a constructive call with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, noting that the EU's primary goal is to reach an agreement with Washington by July 9.
He added during a press conference in Brussels on Monday, "We want to reach an agreement with the United States. We want to avoid tariffs because they lead to economic damage, and we believe that cooperation should achieve mutual gains, not mutual losses," according to Reuters.
This move comes amid warnings from the Trump administration that it will begin sending notices to trading partners that have not reached an agreement by July 9, including the imposition of higher tariffs starting August 1.
