Brussels Presses EU Firms for U.S. Investment Details Ahead of Crucial Trade Talks
In preparation for high-stakes trade negotiations with Washington, European Union officials have urged major European companies to provide detailed information on their U.S. investment plans. According to sources close to the matter, the European Commission sent urgent requests to members of BusinessEurope and the European Roundtable for Industry, asking them to disclose planned spending in the United States. The initiative, reportedly driven personally by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is seen as a strategic move to shape the EU’s negotiating position ahead of talks.
The request reflects Brussels’ efforts to understand and possibly leverage European investment as a means to appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s focus on re-industrializing America. Trump, who has previously threatened to escalate tariffs on EU goods to 50%, temporarily eased his stance following a weekend call with von der Leyen. Although the call did not yield substantive progress, both parties agreed to intensify dialogue and move discussions forward more quickly.
The EU’s trade team, led by Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, is working to defuse tensions and reach a deal that avoids increased tariffs. Sefcovic reported constructive conversations with U.S. officials, a notable shift from past exchanges. The EU is offering a package that includes mutual removal of industrial tariffs, alongside increased European purchases of American soybeans, arms, and liquefied natural gas—a gesture aimed at satisfying some of Trump’s economic goals.
Trump’s push for higher tariffs stems from his domestic agenda to bring manufacturing back to U.S. soil, which he believes European investment can facilitate. The EU, however, remains focused on protecting its economic interests and ensuring fair trade, specifically seeking the removal of existing 25% tariffs on steel and autos. Brussels also wants the U.S. to drop a planned “reciprocal” tariff set at 20%, which is temporarily paused at 10% until July.
With the 90-day tariff pause approaching its deadline, time is running out for both sides to reach an agreement. Brussels hopes that transparent data on corporate investments will not only strengthen its bargaining power but also demonstrate Europe’s contribution to the U.S. economy. Whether this approach will be enough to sway Trump and prevent further trade conflict remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
Source: Reuters