European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said on Tuesday that the European Union's standards, particularly those governing food health and safety are not part of trade negotiations with the United States "and never will be." He added that digital market rules are also not up for discussion but added the EU's offer of zero-for-zero tariffs on industrial goods, including cars, remains on the table. He suggested the union is willing to look into other areas as well but that it would require an "additional level of engagement from the US to keep the ball rolling forward."
Gill said European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic had a "productive" meeting with his US counterparts but that the EU needs a "clearer idea about what their preferred outcomes are in these negotiations." He rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that the EU is "taking advantage" of the US, arguing trade is a "massive boon for both sides, delivering fantastic economic results." He said expert-level bilateral contact is ongoing and will continue as the EU expects to start talking to the US about the details of a potential trade deal.
