France delivered a stinging rebuke to the newly forged EU–US trade framework on Monday, characterizing the agreement as a lop‑sided capitulation that undermines Europe’s negotiating clout and threatens key French sectors. While other EU capitals grudgingly welcomed the pact as a way to avert an economically damaging tariff war, Paris denounced the deal for imposing a 15 percent levy on European exports without securing equivalent market access for French products in the United States. The French government signaled it may activate the EU’s anti‑coercion mechanism to counter what it sees as undue U.S. pressure and an erosion of European sovereignty.

Perceived Imbalance and Economic Stakes

At the heart of France’s opposition lies a profound sense of economic unfairness. Under the agreement struck by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump, most EU goods will face a 15 percent tariff, down from the threatened 30 percent, yet no immediate U.S. products are subject to new EU duties. Paris argues that this asymmetry disproportionately penalizes French exporters, particularly in high‑value sectors like luxury goods, aerospace components and agri‑foods. French wine producers and farmers, already grappling with volatile market conditions and rising production costs, fear the new levy will tip the scales further in favour of American competitors.

French industry groups warn that the agreement could depress demand for emblematic French exports—and in turn weaken domestic jobs. The country’s prestigious aerospace manufacturers, whose jets and parts have long been staples of transatlantic commerce, may find U.S. buyers delaying orders or redirecting purchases toward more tariff‑sheltered suppliers. Meanwhile, France’s celebrated food and wine industries, which collectively account for billions in annual export revenue, face uncertainty over pricing and market share in a deal skewed toward U.S. interests.

Sovereignty and Political Backlash in Paris

Beyond economic grievances, French leaders have framed the trade deal as an affront to national sovereignty and European unity. Prime Minister François Bayrou, in a forceful statement on social media, called the agreement a “dark day” that amounted to “submission” before U.S. threats. He was joined by European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad and Trade Minister Laurent Saint‑Martin in demanding the deployment of the EU’s recently established anti‑coercion tool—an instrument designed to impose countermeasures if a trading partner uses economic pressure to force concessions.

The break with Brussels’ more accommodating members reflects growing skepticism in Paris over rapid rapprochement with Washington. President Emmanuel Macron’s silence on the accord contrasted sharply with Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, both of whom hailed the deal as a pragmatic solution to avert steep tariffs. In France’s parliament, representatives across the political spectrum—from far‑right to left‑wing—voiced alarm that European decision‑making had been undermined by behind‑closed‑doors bargaining, with insufficient regard for French strategic interests or for the principle of reciprocity in trade negotiations.

Broader EU Divisions on Transatlantic Pact

Although France stands almost alone in its strident condemnation, its stance illuminates deeper fissures within the EU on how to engage with an increasingly protectionist United States. Several smaller member states, mindful of extensive trade ties with America, sided with Germany and Italy in opting for damage limitation over confrontation. Economies reliant on U.S. investment and exports—such as the Netherlands and Sweden—labelled the accord the “least bad alternative,” acknowledging that without it the threatened 30 percent tariffs would have inflicted far greater harm on Europe’s export‑oriented industries.

Brussels, for its part, underscored that the framework deal is only the preliminary phase of broader negotiations. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stressed this week that further talks will refine sector‑specific provisions on steel, aluminium, pharmaceuticals and digital services. Yet France’s disquiet suggests that any comprehensive agreement will face intense scrutiny back home—and that Paris may insist on tougher safeguards or countermeasures before granting full ratification.

The French government has also questioned the feasibility of the accord’s other commitments, notably the pledge to channel hundreds of billions in European investments into U.S. infrastructure, energy and manufacturing projects. Observers note that while American officials tout a prospective $600 billion infusion of European private capital, realising such flows will hinge on market conditions and regulatory approvals in diverse U.S. states—factors beyond the direct control of Brussels or Paris.

Looking ahead, France’s resistance may shape the shape of subsequent bargaining rounds. With the EU’s anti‑coercion mechanism now established, Paris could leverage the tool to extract concessions, or at least to signal that any perception of being railroaded by larger EU neighbors and U.S. negotiators will attract a firm response. As full‑scale exchanges on tariffs, investment guarantees and market access unfold in the coming weeks, France’s challenge to the framework deal underscores the enduring tension between solidarity and national interest in Europe’s approach to transatlantic trade.

(Adapted from EuroNews.com)

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