00:00European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has defended the EU's trade pact with the US,
00:07saying failure to secure a deal would have only benefited Europe's rivals, Russia and China.
00:14She calls the agreement sealed last week a choice for stability over escalating the trade war.
00:22The pact caps most US tariffs on EU goods at 15%, including cars and pharmaceuticals.
00:29Von der Leyen stressed the EU had won a unique outcome, a single 15% ceiling, unlike the layered tariffs Washington applied elsewhere.
00:38She also highlighted Brussels' push to diversify trade, citing deals with Mexico, Mercosur and a pact with India to be finalised this year.
00:47Critics argue the trade deal risk weakening Europe's credibility as a defender of rules-based trade.
00:53On Sunday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Europe must seek new partners,
00:58warning that the US may no longer play by global trade rules.
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