Bangladesh, Aug. 4 -- In a move that has provoked widespread backlash across Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is facing mounting criticism for capitulating to a controversial trade deal with US President Donald Trump, allegedly motivated by fear of losing American military support. According to a report by the Sunday Times, von der Leyen accepted a highly imbalanced agreement during a recent meeting with Trump at his golf course in Scotland-one that imposes steep tariffs on EU exports and commits Brussels to massive investments in the US economy.

The deal, finalized last week, includes a 15% tariff on most European exports to the United States, a figure significantly higher than the 10% tariff granted to the Uni...