29/07/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 28 July, the European Trade Union Confederation called on the European Commission to take measures to safeguard jobs in the EU following its trade agreement with the United States (see EUROPE 13689/1). “The 15% US tariff deal is less severe than the threatened 30%, but it still represents a major burden on key sectors. The deal will also hit jobs and wages by depressing the European economy”. According to ECB estimates, a 15% tariff will cost the euro area economy 1.5% of missed growth between 2025 and 2027, equivalent to €240 billion. Funds essential for investment will also be diverted to the United States. The agreement “puts a responsibility on the Commission to introduce flanking measures that protect workers and their industries from the tariffs that it has signed up to”. (SP)