The European Parliament weighed transatlantic trade tensions and the EU’s flagship external investment plan, while advancing measures on AI implementation and finalising parts of the banking and environmental rulebooks.

Transatlantic trade: support with safeguards

Rapporteur Bernd Lange warned that the provisional tariff arrangement with Washington is asymmetric, noting the United States would set a 15% tariff on all goods—up from around 3%—keep 50% on steel and aluminium, while the EU would drop many tariffs on US industrial imports to zero and some farm duties as well 1. The Commission underlined the scale of the economic stakes, with EUR 1.7 trillion in two-way trade in 2024–25 and EUR 4.8 trillion invested in each other’s economies, making the US account for about a fifth of EU global trade 2. Several speakers pushed for strict conditionality. Budget committee rapporteur Danuše Nerudová argued for a clear “implement only if respected” clause and an immediate suspension trigger if EU security is threatened 3.

When MEPs moved to the related vote on adjusting EU customs duties and opening tariff quotas for certain US-origin goods, The Left’s Martin Schirdewan urged adjournment, questioning the deal’s legal footing and warning it would not be honoured in Washington, calling it “blackmailing” that risks European jobs 4. Lange countered that Parliament should proceed only with preconditions, suspension clauses and a limited timeframe, signalling a firm but conditional stance to the US 5. He pointed to strong committee backing as a sign of unity going into talks 6.

Global Gateway: calls for transparency and private capital

Co-rapporteurs set out competing narratives about the Global Gateway. Commissioner Jozef Síkela cited momentum, saying EUR 306 billion had been mobilised between 2021 and 2024 and that the EU expects to surpass EUR 400 billion by 2027 7. Co-rapporteur Chloé Ridel pressed for transparency and local consultation, calling the initiative “somewhat a black box” with effects that are still too little known 8. Co-rapporteur Hildegard Bentele stressed that mobilising private capital is central and urged a more hands-on Board—meeting more often, with decision-makers at the table, clear flagship projects and a tighter narrative 9.

Banking safeguards and clean-water law adopted

Parliament completed second readings on key elements of the bank crisis-management package and on water pollution standards. On deposit protection (DGSD2), the President declared that with no amendments or motions to reject received, the legislative act was adopted 10. On the review of the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD3), the President likewise announced second reading completed and adoption 11. The chamber also adopted updated rules listing surface and groundwater pollutants after accepting the Council position 12.

AI rulebook implementation: cutting red tape, targeting harms

MEPs backed the Digital Omnibus on AI to streamline implementation of harmonised AI rules. Co-rapporteur Arba Kokalari called it “a big step to cut bureaucracy,” telling entrepreneurs the EU is “pausing and simplifying the AI Act,” and urged support for the file 13. Co-rapporteur Michael McNamara highlighted a clear safeguard: AI systems that generate non-consensual intimate imagery will be prohibited, a priority with cross-party backing 14.

Voting opened with the Return Regulation on the common system for returning third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU, as announced by the President 15.

Overall, the day captured a balancing act: securing predictability in transatlantic trade while insisting on enforceable conditions; turning Global Gateway into a more transparent, investment-ready instrument; and focusing EU rules on practical implementation—whether for banks’ safety nets, cleaner water, or responsible AI. The next steps hinge on interinstitutional talks, where MEPs signalled they want both ambition and safeguards.