Fact Check: "EU leaders plan to form a trade bloc excluding the U.S."
What We Know
Recent discussions among European Union (EU) leaders have indicated a potential shift in trade strategies, particularly in response to ongoing tensions with the United States. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized that the EU is prepared for a trade deal with the U.S. but is also considering alternative options if negotiations fail. She stated, “all options remain on the table” as the EU seeks to defend its interests amid threats of increased tariffs from the U.S. government (source-2).
Moreover, von der Leyen has floated the idea of collaborating with members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to form a new trade initiative that could potentially exclude the U.S. This proposal aims to create a rules-based global trading order that would not automatically include the U.S., indicating a strategic pivot in EU trade policy (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that EU leaders are planning to form a trade bloc excluding the U.S. is partially substantiated by recent statements and proposals from EU officials. Von der Leyen's remarks suggest a willingness to explore new trade alliances, particularly with the CPTPP, which could indeed lead to a trade framework that does not include the U.S. However, it is crucial to note that these discussions are still in the exploratory phase and do not represent a finalized plan or agreement.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, with major news outlets like The Guardian and POLITICO providing detailed coverage of the EU's position and the context of these negotiations. However, the framing of these discussions can vary, with some sources emphasizing the confrontational aspects of the EU's approach to U.S. tariffs while others focus on the potential for collaboration and compromise.
While the EU is indeed considering forming new trade partnerships that may not include the U.S., it is also actively seeking to negotiate a favorable deal with the U.S. before resorting to alternative strategies. This dual approach complicates the narrative and suggests that while the EU is preparing for a future without the U.S. in certain trade discussions, it has not definitively excluded the U.S. from its trade considerations.
Conclusion
The claim that "EU leaders plan to form a trade bloc excluding the U.S." is Partially True. While there are discussions and proposals that suggest a potential pivot towards forming a trade alliance with CPTPP members that could exclude the U.S., the EU is simultaneously engaged in negotiations with the U.S. to reach a trade agreement. The situation remains fluid, and the EU's ultimate strategy will depend on the outcomes of these negotiations.
Sources
- EU ready for trade deal with US but prepared to fail, says von der Leyen. The Guardian
- EU leaders try to out-bully Trump, floating world trade club. POLITICO
- EU leaders mull new US trade proposals ahead of Trump tariffs deadline. France24
- EU leaders meet to decide on whether to back quick US trade deal or ... Reuters
- EU leaders seek security within the bloc, without the US. DW
