By Micah Jonah
January 27, 2026
Lawmakers in the European Parliament have postponed a decision on whether to resume work on the European Union trade agreement with the United States following diplomatic tensions triggered by President Donald Trump’s demand to acquire Greenland and threats of new tariffs.
The parliament had earlier planned to vote on the matter this week, but the decision was deferred until next week, according to the Chairman of the European Parliament Trade Committee, Bernd Lange.
In a post on social media on Monday, Lange said the European Parliament negotiating team would reconvene on Wednesday, February 4, to reassess the situation, adding that a decision must be taken ahead of the next committee meeting scheduled for February 23 and 24.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, had earlier indicated that discussions could resume soon in order to get the trade process back on track.
However, divisions remain among lawmakers over the timing and conditions for restarting negotiations.
A Swedish lawmaker, Karin Karlsbro, said improved trade relations between the European Union and the United States were important but must be based on mutual respect.
According to her, while the door remains open for dialogue, there is no need to rush the process.
Analysts warn that any prolonged delay or suspension of the deal could provoke further trade tensions, including the possibility of increased tariffs by the United States. The Trump administration has reportedly ruled out tariff concessions on products such as steel, spirits until the agreement is finalized.
The trade deal, reached in principle in Turnberry, Scotland, in July, requires the European Union to remove many import duties on United States goods, while the United States would maintain a general tariff rate of about 15 percent.
Several European lawmakers have criticized the agreement as being unbalanced, arguing that the EU is making greater concessions. Despite this, many had earlier indicated willingness to accept the deal with conditions, including an 18 month review clause and safeguards against possible surges in United States imports.
Even after the trade committee reaches a decision, final approval could still take several weeks, as both the European Parliament and EU member states must agree on a common legal text.
The developments come amid heightened political tensions following recent remarks by President Trump concerning Greenland, which have strained diplomatic relations between Washington and European capitals.
