Proposed safeguards include a “sunrise” clause, which would make the removal of the tariffs on U.S. goods contingent on scaling back American tariffs on steel products, and a “sunset” clause under which the deal would expire on March 31, 2028.
“On the European side, there are some questions, [a demand for] some safeguards to be able to keep our commitments and to make sure that we can react should the United States fail to honor these commitments,” an aide to French President Emmanuel Macron said last week.
France and the MEPs face opposition from a German-led majority of member countries determined to preserve the original agreement, leaving talks between EU countries, lawmakers, and the Commission on a legislative compromise deadlocked. A further round of talks to find a compromise is planned for May 6.