Trading principles for predictability — what the EU gave up to avoid a tariff war

EU leaders face criticism over a 15% US tariff deal that hits Irish whiskey, German cars, and more. Some call it a betrayal of core principles

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and US President Donald Trump shake hands after reaching the trade deal last Sunday. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of Mr Trump, said the US president 'ate von der Leyen for breakfast'. Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin

In the hours following the announcement that the US and EU had struck a deal last weekend on tariffs, European reaction was mixed.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deal, which imposes 15% tariffs on most items going both ways, "creates certainty in uncertain times" and "delivers stability and predictability, for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic" as she tried to sell the deal to the 27 EU member states.