European Parliament members finalized the U.S.-EU trade agreement Thursday, overcoming months of political turbulence. The deal, negotiated at President Trump’s Turnberry golf course last July, includes 15% tariffs on most EU goods while eliminating duties on U.S. industrial products and select agricultural items. European negotiators added Trump-proofing clauses to automatically reverse the agreement if Washington imposes new tariffs, a move aimed at safeguarding European interests.

The approval follows a year of instability, including U.S. Supreme Court rulings against Trump’s broad tariffs and his controversial Greenland proposal. European Parliament committee head Bernd Lange emphasized the clauses as “political cover” to protect the bloc, acknowledging uncertainty over Trump’s commitment. Despite risks, the deal is expected to clear remaining hurdles, including member-state approvals in April.

The Trump administration welcomed the vote, with Ambassador Andrew Puzder praising the decision as a step toward “restoring calm.” Business groups like Spirits Europe applauded the move, calling it a “responsible action” to stabilize trans-Atlantic trade. However, analysts warn the Trump-proofing clauses may be stripped during final negotiations, as the White House is unlikely to accept them.

With the European Parliament’s backing secured, the agreement now hinges on 27 EU member states and the European Commission’s endorsement. Economists at Bruegel think tank noted the deal’s survival depends on balancing market access demands and geopolitical tensions, calling it a “realpolitik sausage-making exercise.”