BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON — The European Union and the United States have jointly announced that negotiations are underway on what both sides describe as a “serious” trade deal, aimed at avoiding a new wave of sky-high tariffs.

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic called the current framework a “bare-bones start” but stressed that it marks the foundation of a “serious strategic deal” between the transatlantic partners.

The move comes after months of mounting trade tensions, with both Washington and Brussels eager to prevent an escalation that could disrupt key industries on both sides of the Atlantic.

While details remain scarce, officials say the agreement in progress could cover critical sectors including automobiles, agriculture, and clean energy technologies.

Analysts caution that significant hurdles remain, but the joint announcement signals a renewed commitment to strengthening EU–US economic ties while averting a costly trade war.