European Public Expresses Feeling ‘Humiliated’ Over Trade Deal

(MENAFN) A majority of Europeans reported feeling "humiliated" by the trade agreement finalized this summer between the EU and the US, with rising public frustration aimed at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to a recent survey published Tuesday.

The research firm Cluster 17 discovered that 52% of participants across five EU nations identified humiliation as their primary reaction to the Turnberry customs deal concluded with US President Donald Trump.

This sentiment was especially pronounced in France (65%) and Spain (56%), a journal noted.

Even though the negotiations were highly technical, 71% of Europeans stated they were aware of the agreement and understood its contents, highlighting its political significance.

The survey indicated that 77% of respondents thought the accord would predominantly benefit the American economy, while 42% believed European companies would face the greatest disadvantages.

Almost three-quarters of participants opposed related commitments, including $600 billion in US investments and $750 billion in energy acquisitions, with 70% asserting they were willing to boycott American products.

Regarding defense, 68% felt that European purchases of US military equipment would harm the continent’s interests, a proportion that climbed to 87% in France.

Accountability for the deal’s outcome was overwhelmingly assigned to the European Commission.

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