Borrell speaks out on the EU's 'double standards' on Gaza, and US tariff failure

In an interview with EUobserver in Madrid, former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell (78) reflects on Europe’s weak geopolitical weight, its divided and questionable response to the war in Gaza, strained transatlantic ties, and the uncertain future of the EU amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine: “From a political standpoint, the recent EU-US trade deal is very bad. It gives the impression of weakness and submission to Trump’s demands. And it shows Europe can hardly be considered a strategically autonomous actor. I think it’s the result of a poor strategy — more a surrender than a negotiation. It follows the old strategy of bullies. The US threatened 30 percent tariffs, then offered 15 percent, and we’re expected to be grateful.”