BRUSSELS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is intensifying its efforts to finalize a trade agreement with the United States before the looming July 9 deadline, aiming to avert a new wave of punitive tariffs.
European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed on Monday that "political and technical contacts" between Brussels and Washington are ongoing, with the EU still committed to securing an agreement in principle by Wednesday.
