(Camille Gijs – Politico) The European Parliament’s top trade lawmakers on Wednesday failed to reach a common position on the EU-U.S. trade deal, a development that could fuel Washington’s impatience at the EU’s tardiness in keeping its side of a bargain struck last summer. Although MEPs agreed to unfreeze implementation of the pact, Wednesday’s meeting was unable to clear remaining hurdles regarding the Parliament’s position regarding the removal of tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and lobster. Washington has already reduced tariffs on European cars after Brussels introduced the legislation that MEPs are still arguing over. “We need a strong united Europe in this geopolitical situation. It’s not a question of tactics of political preferences or national reflection — it’s a European question,” said Bernd Lange, chair of the Parliament’s trade committee and lead lawmaker on the file.
EU Parliament fails to reach deal on US trade pact – POLITICO
