France, July 30 -- Reaction has been pouring in to the newly struck EU-US trade deal, with the EU facing growing criticism over a compromise many see as a strategic misstep under pressure from Washington.

In what has been a politically charged week, European Union negotiators have come out swinging in defence of the new trade framework struck with the United States, arguing that the controversial deal was the only alternative to a catastrophic trade war.

Framed as a necessary compromise, the agreement imposes 15 percent tariffs on most European exports to the US, while unlocking promises of €685 billion in energy purchases - including over €200 billion in liquefied natural gason an annual basis - and €510 billion in EU...