The European Union and the United States are reportedly considering a pact that would establish a base tariff of 15%, similar to the agreement Washington has already reached with Tokyo, according to diplomatic sources cited by Brussels media. With just over a week to go until the August 1 deadline, ambassadors from member states have been warned that they may have to suspend their vacations in order to react quickly to developments.

The second part of the agreement with Japan also includes a commitment that this country would invest 550 billion euros in the United States and the US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, has already warned that this is an essential clause and that the EU cannot simply wait to seal a similar agreement with Washington without entering into this field of investments.

If the Japanese model were applied, tariffs on automobiles and their components would be reduced from 25% to 15%. Other sectors affected by US tariffs, such as steel and aluminum, are still under negotiation.

Therefore, the EU continues to prepare for a clash with Washington if Donald Trump does not accept a trade agreement with the conditions currently being drafted. For now, it is known that there are two retaliatory packages: one approved and currently suspended to facilitate negotiations, and a second, worth €93 billion, which is being finalized.

Voting this Thursday

The Council vote to formalize this second package is scheduled for this Thursday, and the Commission is expected to obtain clear support from national governments.

Furthermore, the possibility of the Commission launching the Anti-Coercion Instrument, considered the most powerful tool for the EU to defend itself against a country's blackmailing attitude, is emerging. Driven primarily by France and Germany, the number of countries that would approve the use of what is considered the nuclear bomb of trade wars is increasing.

According to diplomatic sources, the initial approval was likely to be given to the declaration that the US stance is formally considered coercive, which would be like baring one's teeth, but not yet biting.