EU Commission framed the deal as a strategic trade shift: The European Commission argued the agreement is part of a push to unlock new markets to offset business lost to US tariffs and to reduce reliance on China by securing access to critical minerals.

Safeguards and concessions were used to win support: The European Commission added safeguards, stronger import controls, a crisis fund, accelerated farmer support, and a pledge to cut fertiliser import duties, and diplomats said these concessions persuaded Italy to shift its position.

Political and environmental opposition remains active: French opposition parties lodged no-confidence motions against Macron’s government over farmer protection, and Friends of the Earth called the accord a “climate-wrecking” deal.