The European Parliament approved on Thursday 26 November, by a large majority (638 votes in favour, 45 against, 11 abstentions), the Regulation on the elimination of customs duties on certain products. This involves completely removing customs duties on a list of products imported (mainly American lobster) and exported to the United States (prepared dishes, crystal glasses, lighters, etc.) (see EUROPE 12600/38).
During the plenary session debate on the same day, the majority of MEPs expressed their satisfaction with this mini-agreement. Most political groups see this as “a first step” in restoring good trade relations with the United States.
Only French MEP Emmanuel Maurel (GUE/NGL) was more pessimistic about future trade relations with Washington. “US trade aggression was not born with Trump, and it will continue after him”, he said, underscoring the need to oppose the swift retaliation measures from the US. Mr Maurel is one of the 45 Members who voted against the Rules of Procedure.
EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis congratulated Parliament on the adoption of the text. “A key EU Trade priority is to get the Transatlantic relationship back on track. And this is an important step”, he said after the vote, via Twitter. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)