Stories from Brussels · Belgium

An EU Commission spokesperson refuted claims by US President Trump that the EU has failed to implement trade agreements. The spokesperson stated the EU follows standard legislative procedures and maintains communication with Washington.

The European Union is considering activating its anti-coercion instrument, informally known as the "commercial bazooka," to protect member states from economic coercion. This mechanism, created in June 2023, has never been activated by the EU before.

The European Union is increasing import tariffs on automobiles from the United States. The EU previously faced tariffs of up to 27.5% on exports to the US after the US imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars in April 2025.

US President Trump stated that the United States will impose tariffs on the European Union starting next week.

The European Union is evaluating options to respond to United States measures that are deemed inconsistent with a previous EU-US joint statement. One source noted that the EU was not complying with its existing trade deal. The European Union is considering retaliatory measures following US trade actions. The EU intends to keep its options open regarding its response. European Parliament International Trade Committee Chair Langs stated that the European Union will reserve all options to protect EU interests. An EU Commission spokesperson refuted Donald Trump's claims regarding EU-US trade. Last summer, the EU and US agreed to a deal limiting tariffs on European imports to the US to a maximum of 15 percent.

The United States will apply a 15% tariff on products originating from the European Union. This follows a trade agreement where EU countries agreed not to apply customs tariffs on US products. Over $100 billion in investment has been recorded during this process, which was described as a record amount. The US government has agreed to a deal that sets a maximum of 15% for European imports into the US. In return, tariffs on US imports into Europe will be reduced to zero. The European Union stated it will continue to implement its commitments under the agreement and remains in close contact with its partners. The EU-Mercosur trade agreement has provisionally entered into force on May 1st. The deal aims to provide benefits such as cheaper products, increased market access, and zero tariffs for companies and citizens.

European Union lawmakers plan to increase investment in the United States by 600 billion USD. The EU plans to increase US investment by $600 billion and purchase $750 billion in US energy. Lange, Chairman of the International Trade Commission, stated that President Trump's plan to impose 25% tariffs on EU automobiles is unacceptable. Lange criticized the United States for repeatedly violating agreements. The comments follow President Trump's announcement regarding the tariffs.

Four fires have broken out in the Palisades communes of Brussels.

Reuters reports that President Trump may request a withdrawal from NATO, a process governed by Article 13 of the treaty. Under this article, a member state must submit a formal request and wait one year before the withdrawal becomes effective.

An EU Commission spokesperson refuted claims by Donald Trump that the EU ignored trade agreements. Germany remains the largest EU exporter of automobiles to the United States. This follows discrepancies regarding stricter rules for large pickup trucks within the EU.