EU Trade Chief Seeks Swift Deal With US While Vowing to Guard Rules

European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič told lawmakers in Strasbourg that Brussels is prioritising a negotiated settlement with the United States in its current trade discussions. He said the Commission hopes to reach “a satisfactory result in the coming days,” underscoring that maintaining EU unity is critical throughout the talks. Šefčovič stressed that while the bloc remains committed to striking a deal, its existing regulatory framework is “non-negotiable.” He added that a certain degree of “rebalancing” would still be required even after an accord, signalling the EU’s determination to defend its economic interests. The Commissioner also highlighted the EU’s broader diversification agenda and said the executive is taking steps to block any trade diversion from third-country exporters seeking to exploit market shifts. Those safeguards, he explained, are designed to protect European industries as tariff disputes elsewhere reshape global commerce.