Engaged with Leaders in the EU Parliament, Moldova, Romania and Greece
Discussed Importance of “Fostering a Fair and Balanced Trade Relationship”
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and member of the Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after his recent travel to the European Union (EU) and President Trump’s assurance to negotiate a trade deal with the EU.
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“During the past week, I had the privilege of leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the European Union in Belgium, as well as Moldova, Romania and Greece. Throughout the trip, we engaged with senior government officials, civic leaders and American and local business owners to promote effective governance and strengthen strategic relationships.
“We had the opportunity to meet with several high-level leaders, including:
- Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Members of the European Union Parliament in Brussels;
- President Maia Sandu of Moldova, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihail Pop?oi, Speaker Igor Grosu and Members of Parliament;
- Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, interim President Ilie Bolojan and lawmakers; and,
- Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, President of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis and other officials.
“The central focus of our discussions was the importance of fostering a fair and balanced trade relationship—one that creates opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic and supports long-term economic growth. We emphasized the value of partnerships rooted in mutual respect and aligned interests, aiming to build upon a solid foundation for sustainable cooperation that benefits businesses, workers and local communities.
“As I return home, I’m pleased to see President Trump’s assurance to pursue a trade agreement with the European Union. As I reiterated to our counterparts in the EU this past week, I look forward to working with the President to finalize a strong, fair trade deal that reflects our shared economic goals and strengthens the transatlantic alliance.”
Buchanan has been a strong advocate for fair trade and supporting American businesses. As the former Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee on Ways and Means, Buchanan helped oversee negotiations for the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). He recently co-signed a letter to President Trump encouraging him to negotiate new trade agreements that boost American agricultural exports. Buchanan also previously introduced the Defending Domestic Produce Protection Act to help Florida fruit and vegetable growers combat illegal seasonal dumping and Mexico’s unfair trade practices.
