• Sabine Weyand, the European Commission's top trade official, is stepping down following internal disagreements over how to handle trade negotiations with the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
  • Her departure comes amid a rift between EU trade hawks and those favoring a more conciliatory approach towards Washington, with Weyand reportedly pushing for a harder line.
  • The European Commission has not yet named a successor, leaving the bloc's trade policy direction uncertain as it navigates tariff threats and potential trade disputes.

Sabine Weyand, the European Commission's director-general for trade, has resigned, according to people familiar with the matter. The decision follows clashes within the EU executive over the bloc's strategy in dealing with the Trump administration, particularly over potential tariff negotiations. Weyand, a key architect of the EU's defensive trade measures, advocated for a firm stance against U.S. demands, sources said, putting her at odds with some member states and Commission officials seeking a more pragmatic approach.

Weyand's departure comes at a critical time, as the EU faces renewed tariff threats from Washington and ongoing discussions over a possible trade deal. The Commission has been divided between those who view Trump's tariffs as a negotiating tactic and those who see them as a fundamental challenge to the multilateral trading system. Weyand's exit may signal a shift towards a less confrontational posture, though her supporters warn that it could embolden U.S. trade hardliners.

Efforts to reach Weyand for comment were unsuccessful. A Commission spokesperson confirmed her departure but declined to elaborate on the reasons, stating only that "Sabine Weyand has decided to pursue other opportunities." The search for a successor is underway, with trade officials and diplomats closely watching the process as an indicator of future EU trade strategy.

Weyand had been a central figure in the EU's response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, overseeing retaliatory measures and leading negotiations on a limited trade agreement. Her resignation marks a loss of institutional memory at a time when the EU is also grappling with trade tensions with China and the aftermath of Brexit.

Update: The European Commission has confirmed that Weyand will step down effective end of next month, with Deputy Director-General Denis Redonnet serving as interim head. This article has been updated to reflect that detail.