Brussels presses Washington to honor a joint pledge
The European Commission publicly urged the United States to respect the commitments set out in a joint statement signed by the EU and the U.S. last year, after President Donald Trump instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut trade ties with Spain.
Trump announced the directive while speaking in Ankara, Turkey, where he criticized Madrid as a "terrible partner" in NATO. His remarks came in the context of expressing frustration with allies for what he said was insufficient support regarding the war on Iran.
Responding to the president's order, European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill referenced the bilateral statement. Gill said: "We expect the U.S. to honour its commitments under that joint statement, as we have honoured ours."
"We will continue to advocate for stable, predictable and mutually beneficial trans-Atlantic trade for the benefit of all," Gill added.
Potential diplomatic and economic friction
The instruction to sever trade ties with Spain marks a development that could heighten tensions between Washington and a long-standing European partner. The Commission emphasized it would safeguard the interests of all member states while continuing to press for predictable and mutually beneficial trade across the Atlantic.
The EU’s public statement reiterates its view that both sides should adhere to previously agreed commitments, and signals Brussels’ intention to protect its members if those commitments are threatened.
What is clear from official comments
- The U.S. directive to cut trade with Spain was delivered by President Donald Trump in Ankara and directed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- The president characterized Spain as a "terrible partner" in NATO while linking his criticism to frustration over allied support related to the war on Iran.
- The European Commission, through spokesperson Olof Gill, invoked a joint EU-U.S. statement from last year and urged the U.S. to honour its commitments, while committing to defend member-state interests and to advocate for stable trans-Atlantic trade.
The situation, as conveyed in official remarks, is presented without further operational detail on what severing trade ties would entail or what steps Brussels might take in response beyond its stated advocacy and protective posture.