EU Tells Trump: No Side Deals or Shortcuts on Trade Negotiations

Friedrich Merz arrives for a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, on May 9.Photographer: Simon Wohlfahrt/Bloomberg

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By Michael Nienaber and Michal Kubala

May 9, 2025 at 5:24 AM EDT

Updated on

May 9, 2025 at 7:50 AM EDT

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European leaders presented a united front in the US trade war on Friday, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying individual member states won’t strike side deals and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicating that a concrete proposal is needed for any serious talks with Washington.