Part 8/11:
Despite the tensions, recent meetings between EU and US officials suggest a recognition of mutual dependency. Both sides acknowledge that a full-blown trade war would be mutually destructive. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has expressed optimism about ongoing talks, emphasizing a "drive to move discussions forward swiftly." Still, with limited time before the July 9th deadline, the window for compromise is closing rapidly.
Past attempts at reconciliation have faltered, and some political figures, such as Senator Marco Rubio, have publicly expressed skepticism about the EU’s intentions—particularly accusing Europe of prolonging conflicts like the war in Ukraine, contrasting this with the US government’s advocacy for peace.