In terms of form, the humiliation could hardly have been more obvious. Inviting Ursula von der Leyen to his luxurious Turnberry golf course in Scotland – and taking the opportunity to promote it before the world's cameras as "the best course anywhere in the world" – Donald Trump made no attempt to soften the edges of his trade deal with the European Union on Sunday, July 27. During a press conference that, oddly, preceded rather than followed the negotiations, the European Commission president looked visibly tense, sitting upright with her hands on her knees, patiently listening to the US president. For about 20 minutes, journalists barely addressed her, while Trump commanded all the attention.

Offering the US president a victory in terms of form could have been a good idea if the trade deal were balanced in substance. In reality, it amounts to "the greatest and most blatant racket in history," summed up economist Véronique Riches-Flores. The EU has agreed to a 15% tax on its exports to the United States. Before Trump's return to the White House in January, the average was 1.2%, weighted by the economic importance of each sector. And in exchange? Nothing. The EU is avoiding any retaliation. Such a unilateral agreement would have been unthinkable for negotiators just a few months ago.

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