EU Betrayed? Von der Leyen's Secret 15% Tariff Deal with the US

Published: July 30th 2025, 17:00
Category: Trade & Sovereignty

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Pros and Cons of the Tariff Deal

Let’s break it down simply — what does this deal really mean for Europe?

✅ The Pros:

Avoided the 30% tariffs — a full-blown trade war was likely worse
Short-term stability in EU-US economic relations (for now)
Some exporters retain limited access to U.S. markets
Prevents immediate industry panic, especially in automotive and chemical sectors

❌ The Cons:

15% tariff is still a massive blow to competitiveness for EU products
No counter-tariffs or leverage — EU accepted it without reciprocity
More dependency on American LNG, with long-term economic and strategic costs
No parliamentary vote, no transparency, no public oversight
Signed by a Commission President deeply unpopular and unelected by citizens

In short, it’s a bandage deal that benefits Washington more than Brussels — and does little to future-proof Europe’s economy.

Why This Matters to You

This isn’t just about politics in Brussels. These decisions affect everyday Europeans — workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. A 15% tariff means European-made goods are now less competitive in the U.S. market, threatening jobs in export-heavy sectors like auto manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech industries.

Meanwhile, rising energy costs and deepening reliance on American gas will continue to affect household bills and industrial production across the EU — especially in countries already struggling with inflation and deindustrialization.

And all of it was signed away by people you didn’t elect. Without debate. Without consent.

Where Is the Public Debate?

Ursula von der Leyen, once appointed (not elected) as President of the European Commission, has overseen major EU decisions — from vaccine deals to energy policy to this tariff agreement — with little transparency and even less public input.

This deal was signed in private, while European parliaments, media, and citizens were left in the dark. Now, many are asking: who does she represent — European citizens or foreign interests?

Even many EU lawmakers, including from Germany, France, and the Czech Republic, are calling for greater oversight and inquiry into the Commission’s mandate in these kinds of international negotiations.

What Can Be Done?

It’s time to reassert control over Europe’s trade, sovereignty, and future. Here’s what must happen next:

Call for full transparency and declassification of the EU-US trade negotiations
Push national governments to demand veto power over major economic treaties
Insist on an independent audit of the energy and procurement pledges included in the deal
Demand Ursula von der Leyen explain her actions before the European Parliament

This is about more than tariffs. It’s about the EU’s democratic legitimacy — and whether it belongs to the people or to unelected bureaucrats.

Final Thoughts

Let’s not sugar-coat it: this deal is not a diplomatic win — it's a desperate concession. A Commission president with no electoral mandate quietly handed over trade leverage, energy money, and policy alignment to a foreign power, all while bypassing EU institutions and public accountability.

The so-called 'compromise' reads like a checklist of U.S. interests. European farmers, manufacturers, and tech companies gain next to nothing. Our energy strategy becomes more dependent, our trade weaker, our negotiating position diluted. In exchange? We get to say the word 'stability' in press releases.

What’s worse is the precedent. If von der Leyen can get away with this — a sweeping trade realignment with no vote — what’s next? More executive treaties behind closed doors? More quiet realignments? Fewer democratic checks?

And the European Parliament? Mostly silent. National governments? Informed after the fact. Citizens? Excluded completely.

This is about more than tariffs or LNG contracts. This is about trust — and who speaks for Europe.

Europe deserves bold leadership. But more than that, it deserves accountable leadership. If Ursula von der Leyen believes this was the right move, she should stand before the citizens and defend it. Not behind a podium. But in debate. In Parliament. In elections.

Because if we keep letting this happen, Europe will stop being a union — and become just another market waiting for orders.