Borrell claims EU’s USD750bn energy pledge to US ‘not feasible’
(MENAFN) The European Union is unlikely to fulfill its energy commitments under a recently signed trade agreement with the United States, according to former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. In an interview with EUObserver published Monday, Borrell criticized the deal, saying the EU cannot realistically purchase the promised volume of American natural gas.
The agreement, finalized on July 28 after prolonged talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, requires the EU to buy $750 billion worth of U.S. energy and invest an additional $600 billion in the U.S. economy over the next three years. In exchange, a 15% tariff will be imposed on most EU exports to the U.S.
Citing a Sunday Times report, Borrell suggested von der Leyen may have accepted the terms out of fear that Washington could scale back military support for Ukraine or withdraw troops from Europe altogether.
Borrell dismissed the practicality of the deal, noting that “the EU doesn’t buy gas—private companies do,” and said importing such large quantities is “simply not feasible.” He also argued that the agreement contradicts the EU’s stated goals, such as developing its own defense industry and pursuing green energy initiatives, while it simultaneously agrees to ramp up U.S. gas imports.
He criticized the negotiation process as a capitulation rather than a fair deal, saying it gives the impression that the EU is weak and easily pressured by Trump. “The U.S. threatened 30% tariffs, settled for 15%, and we’re expected to thank them for it,” Borrell remarked, calling it an example of “classic bullying tactics.”
Borrell isn’t alone in his disapproval. Other European leaders have also voiced concerns. French politician Marine Le Pen described the agreement as a “fiasco,” while President Emmanuel Macron reportedly said the EU is “not feared enough.” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban went further, accusing von der Leyen of exceeding her authority and claiming Trump “ate her for breakfast” by pushing the bloc toward large-scale U.S. arms purchases.
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