Former EU foreign policy chief criticizes European Commission over trade deal with US

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Wednesday criticized the European Commission for its trade deal with US President Donald Trump, saying it weakened the bloc's geopolitical position.

In a post on X, Borrell said the commission had adopted a flawed strategy by trying to "appease and flatter" Trump, agreeing to purchase more US weapons and liquefied natural gas areas.

"Bad strategy leads to bad outcomes," he argues, adding: "Europe emerges geopolitically weakened from a deal struck in just 1 hour on a golf course."

The agreement, announced on July 27, will see the US impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, half of the threatened rate of 30%. The bloc will also invest $600 billion in the US, and purchase $750 billion worth of American energy and military equipment.

Borrell served as EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy from 2019 to 2024.