Let’s Go

It’s about time that the EU member states agreed to trade talks with the United States. But France’s vote against it could turn out to be the writing on the wall.

Finally, some good news, even if it’s not entirely without nuance: The EU member states have agreed to negotiate with Washington to reduce tariffs on industrial goods. It’s about time, and not only to reduce political tensions surrounding the economy, but also because there hasn’t generally been much to celebrate about trans-Atlantic relations as of late.

If an agreement can be reached soon, it would be a good thing − and not only for the economy, international politics or relations with allies. It would also be good for Germany. However, Congress is probably not thrilled that agricultural products have been exempt. And France’s vote against it could turn out to be the writing on the wall.

French President Emmanuel Macron may have been influenced by anger about the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and a desire to not expose an Achilles’ heel to his domestic rivals before the EU elections. But by doing so, he’s added to the political spheres in which things aren’t exactly running smoothly between Paris and Berlin.