The United States warned the European Union that rejecting a trade agreement could jeopardize favorable access to LNG supplies.
US Issues Warning to EU
The United States has cautioned the European Union that rejecting a customs agreement with Washington may result in the loss of “favorable” terms for accessing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This information was reported by the British newspaper “Financial Times” on Monday, citing a conversation with US Ambassador to the EU, Andrew Puzder.
LNG and Customs Agreement at Stake
The European Parliament is scheduled to vote on Thursday on the customs agreement reached between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland. The EU committed to lowering tariffs on certain agricultural products imported from the US to Europe.
Deal Includes Energy Commitments
“Financial Times” noted that the agreement also includes a commitment from the EU to purchase $750 billion worth of American energy by 2028, including LNG, oil, and civilian nuclear technologies.
Ambassador Puzder on Potential Consequences
US Ambassador Andrew Puzder told the newspaper that the energy aspect of the trade deal would be at risk if the Union attempts to change any of the remaining conditions. He stated that if the agreement is not implemented, both sides would return to square one.
Puzder added, “I think the United States will still want to do business with Europe, but the terms may not be as favorable. The environment certainly won’t be as conducive. And… there are other buyers.”
Parliamentary Vote is First Step
The vote in the European Parliament is only the beginning of the process for adopting the document by the EU. If the parliament approves the agreement, inter-institutional negotiations will begin between the EP, EU member states within the Council of the EU, and the European Commission to finalize the agreement’s details.
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