President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will meet tomorrow in Scotland with US President Donald Trump, at a crucial moment in efforts to reach a trade agreement before the August 1 deadline.
The meeting, arranged after a “positive” conversation between the two leaders, aims to unlock stalled trade negotiations between the US and the European Union, particularly to reduce planned US tariffs from 30% to the proposed 15%, mirroring a recent agreement with Japan. Trump has predicted a 50% chance of success for the deal.
The summit takes place just days before new US tariffs are scheduled to take effect on August 1, increasing the pressure to reach a resolution. The European Union, for its part, has already approved a package of potential retaliatory measures across member states, targeting €93 billion worth of US goods, with tariffs of up to 30%.
Currently, the US imposes a base tariff of 10% on European imports, alongside sector-specific surcharges of 25% on automobiles and 50% on steel and aluminum. The framework being negotiated would introduce a flat 15% tariff on EU exports—slightly higher than the current base, but lower than the maximums previously threatened. Key details remain under discussion in sensitive sectors such as cars, semiconductors, and alcoholic beverages.
The context of the visit also ties in with Trump’s personal and political agenda in Scotland: the president is on a private tour that includes the upcoming opening of a new golf course, while also preparing to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish leader John Swinney. He faces international criticism and local protests over his negotiation style and controversial policies.
