Trump lauds EU's decision to fast-track trade talks

ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised the EU's decision to accelerate trade negotiations, saying it is a "positive event."

"I have just been informed that the E.U. has called to quickly establish meeting dates," Trump wrote on Truth Social, expressing satisfaction.

European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho said Monday that Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen "agreed both to fast-track the trade negotiations and stay in close contact."

"These negotiations are complex, and so they are taking time," she said, adding there is a “new impetus for the negotiations.”

Trump said the EU's move is a "positive event," expressing hope that the 27-member bloc will "open up" to trade with the US, "like my same demand to China."

"They will BOTH be very happy, and successful, if they do," he added.

Trump said he was "extremely satisfied with the 50% Tariff allotment on the European Union, especially since they were slow walking (to put it mildly!), our negotiations with them."

He reminded the EU of his authority to "SET A DEAL" for trade into the US if negotiations fail or America "treated unfairly."

Trump, on Sunday, agreed to delay implementing the threatened 50% tariff until July 9 following a phone call with von der Leyen. The surcharge was originally scheduled to begin June 1.

"Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively," von der Leyen said on X after speaking to Trump.

This development came after the US president expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations and had announced the tariff threat as leverage to push the EU toward concessions, particularly on lowering tariffs on American products.