D. Trump is blackmailing the EU with tariffs. Demands ratification by 4 July

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the European Union (EU) must ratify a trade deal with the United States by 4 July or face "much higher" tariffs.

D. Trump said that he had spoken to the President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, about the issue and agreed to „give her time before our country's 250th birthday, otherwise, unfortunately, their tariffs will immediately rise to much higher levels“.

This July 4th marks the 250th anniversary of the American colonies' independence from the British.

U. von der Leyen said on Thursday that the bloc had made "significant progress" towards ratifying the agreement by early July.

„On both sides we remain fully committed to its implementation“, – she added on the „X“ network.

The EU, which has 27 member countries, and the United States concluded an agreement last July that imposed tariffs of 15% on a wide range of European goods. However, Mr Trump is unhappy with the pace of its implementation.

The situation was further complicated when the US Supreme Court ruled in February that Mr Trump had exceeded his authority by imposing his own tariffs, including on Europe.

Since then, the Trump administration has imposed temporary tariffs of 10% and is looking for long-term ways to restore his trade agenda.

But the ruling did not affect sector-specific tariffs, such as on cars, which were reduced to 15% under the EU deal.

As the deal continues to await approval from EU member states, Mr Trump last week promised to raise tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25% and accused the bloc of failing to live up to its end of the bargain.

Cyprus, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, noted that he wants to maintain a "positive momentum" in the negotiations with members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on 19 May.

„I look forward to the EU delivering on its part of the historic trade deal we agreed in Ternbury, Scotland – it's the biggest trade deal ever!!!– Trump argued on his platform „Truth Social“.

„There was a promise that the EU would honour its part of the deal and reduce its tariffs to zero under the agreement!“ – he added.

EU lawmakers gave the green light to a customs agreement with Trump at the end of March, but also sought to put in place additional safeguards.

Despite the EP's conditional approval, the deal must be negotiated with EU countries before the bloc can implement it.