Both the European Parliament and France want to add a number of safeguards to the accord, but they face opposition from countries led by Germany that prefer no changes to the deal. The next round of interinstitutional talks, known as trilogues, is scheduled for May 6.
“We’re hoping that in the trilogue proceedings the result will be an acknowledgment that a deal is a deal,” Puzder said in an interview at the Delphi Economic Forum.
The proposed amendments include a “sunrise” clause, which would make removing the tariffs on U.S. goods contingent on scaling back American tariffs on steel derivative products, and a “sunset” clause under which the deal would expire on March 31, 2028 — about 10 months before Trump is due to leave office.
“I don’t want to influence the trilogue procedure by commenting on any of the amendments or the ultimate results,” Puzder said. “If they want to negotiate a new deal, then I guess we’ll negotiate a new deal.”
The Commission also wants to get the legislation through as soon as possible without major changes. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who is currently in Washington, used the same phrase last week: “A deal is a deal.”
EU lawmakers and France argue the agreement should be amended because of Trump’s threats earlier this year to annex Greenland. A Supreme Court decision striking down part of his original tariffs also means the EU no longer has the advantages of the Turnberry deal, with other markets enjoying similar conditions.