PARIS, May 21 (Reuters) - The European Union must soften

its stance toward U.S. President Donald Trump's trade demands

and negotiate a deal to avoid tariffs and protect European jobs,

LVMH CEO and Chairman Bernard Arnault said on Wednesday.

Talks between Brussels and Washington should be handled

"with the aim to succeed and therefore with reciprocal

concessions," Arnault said. "For now, I am under the impression

it's not going well."

Speaking to French senators during a parliamentary hearing,

Arnault said he was actively lobbying to avoid tariffs, citing

his group's cognac and wine business as particularly impacted by

the trade tensions.

"You see what the British have done, they have negotiated

very well. Using my modest means and contacts, I hope I will

manage to convince Europe to adopt a similarly constructive

attitude", Arnault said.

Britain earlier this month struck a deal that would

improve access for the worst-hit sectors, rather than pursuing a

wider agreement.

Arnault did not comment further when asked by lawmakers

about his direct talks with Trump and a recent visit to the

White House.

The United States is LVMH's most important market,

accounting for 25% of annual sales.