EU negotiators failed to seal a deal to implement the bloc’s trade agreement with the US, risking anger from President Donald Trump. The European parliament and member states are struggling to agree on safeguard clauses—like requiring the EU to lower trade barriers only if the US cuts tariffs to 15% across the board—pushing for a quick agreement to avoid provoking Trump’s threats to impose higher tariffs on European cars. However, France and many parliament groups resist rushing without clarity on US commitments. Chair Bernd Lange says progress was made on the safeguard mechanism but an agreement is still pending. Technical talks continue, with another attempt set for May 19. If reached, EU parliament approval would follow in June.

European rail passengers will soon be able to book tickets from multiple providers on a single platform, a move that will simplify travel across the EU. Current booking systems are a “nightmare,” the EU transport commissioner says, with 61% of passengers citing challenges as a reason to avoid booking trains. The new proposals, due next week, require all companies to publicize and offer lines from rival operators, covering rights for multi-leg journeys. France’s SNCF Connect has already adopted this approach through national law, while Hungary’s support for Tisza was primarily to end Viktor Orbán’s rule rather than his policies, new research reveals.

New research suggests Europe could achieve “far-reaching autonomy” from the US in military areas within five to 10 years at a cost of just €500bn—about 10% of total European defence spending. German leaders argue the main hurdles are a lack of political prioritisation, poor industrial co-operation, and defence fragmentation, not money or technology. The EU-US trade deal implementation delay highlights ongoing tensions over US military support and trade commitments, with business leaders urging accelerated progress to secure economic and security interests.