European Parliament advances US trade deal with added safeguards
By Philip Blenkinsop
BRUSSELS, March 26 (Reuters) - The European Parliament advanced legislation on Thursday to fulfil the European Union's side of its trade agreement with the United States after months of uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats and new import levy.
The EU assembly voted by 417 to 154 and 71 abstentions in favour of the legislation, although with multiple added safeguards, reflecting concerns that the Washington may not stick to the deal struck in Turnberrry, Scotland, last July.
The parliament has been debating proposals to remove EU import duties on U.S. industrial goods and improve access for U.S. agricultural produce, a key part of the deal, as well as to continue zero duties for U.S. lobsters, initially agreed with Trump in 2020.
Parliament's vote on Thursday is not the end of the process. Representatives of parliament and EU governments will negotiate final texts before a final vote of approval by EU lawmakers not expected before April or May.
