Von der Leyen Faces Fierce Criticism Over Trump Trade Deal at Turnberry

Ursula von der Leyen is under growing political pressure after signing a controversial US-EU trade accord with Donald Trump at Turnberry, Scotland, on July 27. Critics across Europe are calling the agreement a «capitulation» that favours the US while compromising key EU industries and future sovereignty, as reported by The Guardian.

The agreement, announced with optimism at Trump’s golf resort, is drawing comparisons to the EU’s weakest negotiation moments.

«This is asymmetry set in stone,» said Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, branding the deal «a misery.»

Analysts point to three major concerns: Europe’s loss of global credibility, economic imbalance in trade sectors such as pharma, steel, and agriculture, and an unmandated $600bn EU investment pledge in the US—made without broad parliamentary approval.

Though intended to prevent a looming trade war and Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs, observers argue that von der Leyen gave in too easily. Critics say the EU effectively surrendered its ability to counter future US moves, including via digital services or network fees.

Von der Leyen’s approach, shaped by her inner circle in the final negotiation weeks, left her with few cards to play. The outcome, according to insiders, was a «steamroll» by Trump.

While the deal still awaits formal ratification, tensions are already brewing in Brussels over its interpretation. Several member states, including Germany and Italy, appear reluctantly aligned, but opposition voices are growing louder, particularly among nationalist parties in France and Germany.

The European Parliament is expected to scrutinize the agreement heavily, especially as more details emerge on concessions made by Brussels.