French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday criticised a framework deal struck between the European Union and the United States on Sunday, saying it showed the bloc had not managed to be "feared" by U.

Some French cabinet members have aired their sharp disapproval of the agreement with the United States. The prime minister called it “a dark day.”

The reaction has been downbeat across the bloc - though several capitals acknowledged signing an uneven deal was worth it in order to avert an all-out trade war. It will see a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US - half the rate threatened by Trump - in return for Europe buying more American energy and slashing taxes on some imports.