US-EU Trade Deal Stirs European Sovereignty Debate Amid Tariff Compromise

The European Union and United States have finalized a trade agreement aimed at preventing tariff escalation, sparking divergent reactions across Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen champions the pact as a necessary stabilization measure, while former ECB chief Mario Draghi condemns it as capitulation to American demands.

The agreement maintains a 15% ceiling on U.S. tariffs for sensitive European exports, attempting to balance transatlantic relations with domestic industrial interests. This development reignites longstanding concerns about Europe's ability to assert independent economic policy amid great power competition.

Market analysts suggest such geopolitical tensions could drive institutional interest toward decentralized assets, particularly as traditional trade alliances show strain. The crypto sector often benefits from macroeconomic uncertainty, with Bitcoin and ethereum serving as potential hedges against currency volatility.