EU Lawmakers Poised for Decision on Key EU-U.S. Trade Agreement

EU lawmakers are poised to vote on vital legislation concerning the EU-U.S. trade deal, following previous hiatuses over doubts about U.S. compliance.

The European Parliament is discussing critical measures like removing EU import duties on U.S. industrial goods, a centerpiece of the agreement forged in Scotland last July. The deal also seeks continuing zero tariffs on U.S. lobsters. Lawmakers could decide by Tuesday whether to proceed, with EU officials hinting at favoring advancement, setting up for a parliamentary trade committee vote on Thursday.

The trade deal had been criticized as lopsided, but lawmakers appeared ready to accept it under strict conditions, including an 18-month sunset clause and a 'sunrise clause' for conditional duty reductions. The deal will still require negotiation between the European Parliament and EU governments, with final approval not expected until at least April after earlier delays.