EU And US Reach Agreement On New Trade And Tariff Framework

Robust Regulatory FrameworkThe

The European Council and the European Parliament reached an agreement on tariff measures linked to the EU-US Joint Statement, also known as the Turnberry Agreement, in a move aimed at strengthening long-term trade stability between the European Union and the United States. The framework is based on two legislative proposals introduced by the European Commission in August 2025. One proposal removes remaining tariffs on selected U.S. industrial products while granting preferential access for specific seafood and non-sensitive agricultural goods. A second measure extends the suspension of tariffs on lobster imports retroactively from August 1, 2025.

Enhanced Safeguard Mechanisms

Alongside tariff adjustments, the agreement introduces new safeguard provisions designed to protect European producers. Under the framework, the European Commission will be able to review cases where at least three member states, European industries or trade unions submit evidence of substantial market harm. An expiration clause running through the end of 2029 has also been incorporated into the agreement. That mechanism allows suspension measures to be reconsidered if the United States fails to comply with agreed commitments.

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Leadership And Strategic Commitment

Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Mihalis Damianos said the agreement reflects the European Union’s commitment to maintaining stable international trade relations while safeguarding the interests of European businesses and workers. Ursula von der Leyen called on European lawmakers to accelerate the ratification process and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to fulfilling its trade obligations. European Parliament Chief Negotiator Bernd Lange and Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic also stressed the importance of the safeguard measures and highlighted the EU’s role as a reliable long-term trading partner.

Implications For Global Trade

Trade between the European Union and the United States accounts for nearly 30% of global trade in goods and services and approximately 43% of global GDP. Bilateral investment flows exceeded €4.7 trillion in 2023, underlining the scale of the transatlantic economic relationship. Formal implementation of the agreement will begin after ratification by both EU institutions and publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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Keve Welcomes New Cyprus Business Development Organisation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has welcomed Parliament’s unanimous approval of legislation establishing the Cyprus Business Development Organisation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals.

Expanding Access To Finance

The legislation creates a new public body aimed at addressing financing gaps by supporting businesses that struggle to secure funding through traditional channels.

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According to Keve, the initiative could strengthen entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness and support Cyprus’ green and digital transition. The chamber has long argued that SMEs rely too heavily on bank financing, limiting investment, expansion and innovation.

Keve Calls For Swift Implementation

Keve said it helped shape the legislation through the consultation process and called for the organisation to become operational as quickly as possible. It also pledged to continue working with the Finance Ministry and the organisation’s management to support implementation.

How The Organisation Will Operate

Approved by Parliament on Tuesday, the legislation establishes Cyprus’ national business development body under the supervision of the Finance Minister, while the Central Bank of Cyprus will oversee anti-money laundering compliance.

The organisation will design financing programmes, provide loans and conduct studies to identify weaknesses in the financing market.

Cyprus will provide €60 million in initial capital. Over time, the body will also be able to raise funding from European and international institutions and benefit from state guarantees linked to approved strategic priorities.

Recovery Plan Milestone

Creation of the organisation is one of the final milestones under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and is required for the country to receive the plan’s ninth and final payment. Appointment of the board of directors remains the last outstanding step.

Before approving the bill, the Finance Ministry revised the draft following consultations with MPs and stakeholders. The changes removed provisions allowing the organisation to establish companies and narrowed the list of eligible beneficiaries by excluding small mid-cap companies.

Lawmakers also strengthened governance rules by introducing stricter board suitability requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, enhanced reporting obligations and borrowing limits. A seven-member board appointed by the Cabinet will oversee the organisation, while a transitional board will serve for two years until it becomes fully operational.

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