EU COUNTRIES
EU governments waver over Chinese EV tariffs as trade spat escalates
EU countries debate supporting tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in Brussels amid concerns over Beijing's possible retaliation affecting EU exports like cognac and pork.
EU releases Euro 1.9 billion for Ukraine, days after launch of accession talks
The European Union on Thursday disbursed Euro 1.9 billion to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The funds, provided under the Ukraine Facility, are intended to support the Ukrainian state during this challenging time. European Union President Ursula von der Leyen stated the purpose of the funds.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy signs security pacts with EU, 2 member nations
The agreement with the EU lays out the bloc's commitment to help Ukraine in nine areas of security and defence policy-including arms deliveries, military training, defence industry cooperation and demining.
Explained: What happens next in the EU investigation into Chinese EVs?
China and the European Commission plan talks to address proposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles entering the EU, potentially easing tensions. The EU intends to impose provisional duties on these vehicles, ranging from 17.4% to 38.1%, with the deadline set for July 4. Negotiations between the EU and China are expected, with stakeholders having until July 18 to provide feedback. The Commission will publish its findings by July 4, and decisions on provisional duties will follow.
EU and China set for talks on planned electric vehicle tariffs
The confirmation came after China's commerce ministry said its head Wang Wentao, and Dombrovskis, executive vice president of the European Commission, had agreed to start consultations over the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs.
EU envoys agree on more Russia sanctions. LNG imports are among the targets
EU ambassadors have agreed on new sanctions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The measures will target imports of Russian LNG and freeze assets of more officials and entities.
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EU sanctions target Russian gas for the first time, diplomats say
The European Union has agreed on a new sanctions package against Russia, marking its first restrictions on Russian gas since the war in Ukraine began. This 14th package bans the re-export of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) within EU waters, although imports continue. While intended to curb Russia's revenue and access to technologies, experts suggest limited impact on overall Russian LNG exports.
German deputy leader visits China to manage fears of trade war with EU
Robert Habeck, who has personally spoken out against punitive tariffs as a last resort, took with him a low-key business delegation and will address trade relations while also pressing China on hot-button issues like Russia's war in Ukraine.
Landmark EU nature restoration plan gets final approval as bloc gives the green light
The law, which aims at restoring ecosystems, species and habitats in the EU, was finally adopted at a meeting of environment ministers at Luxembourg after rallying the required support from a qualified majority representing 15 of the 27 member states and 65 per cent of the EU population.
Chinese firms seek anti-dumping probe into pork imports from EU
Chinese firms have formally applied for an anti-dumping probe into pork imports from the European Union, the state-backed Global Times reported, escalating tensions after the bloc imposed anti-subsidy duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs).
Vladimir Putin says freezing of Russian assets in West is 'theft'
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticised the freezing of Russian assets abroad as "theft" and vowed to retaliate. G7 leaders agreed on a $50 billion loan for Ukraine using profits from frozen Russian assets, prompting US President Joe Biden to emphasize resolve against Russia. Putin accused Western countries of justifying their actions and warned of severe consequences, stating the nuclear standoff is nearing a critical point.
What will happen when the Ukraine gas transit deal expires?
Ukraine has announced it will not extend a five-year deal with Russia's Gazprom for the transit of Russian gas to Europe when it expires at the end of the year. The Ukraine gas transit route, agreed upon by Moscow and Kyiv in 2019, enables Russia to export gas to Europe via Ukraine. Russian gas transit via Ukraine to Europe fell by 28.5% to 14.65 billion cubic meters last year, from 20.5 bcm in 2022. The system connects Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.
Macron urges French to make 'right choice' in election gamble
President Macron has called for snap elections in France after the far right's strong showing in the EU elections. Despite criticism, Macron is confident in the French people's choice. His move aims to keep the far right out of power but has sparked concerns and market instability. Macron's party faces challenges in regaining a majority in the National Assembly. The far right's gains in several European countries have drawn attention, with some seeing a potential shift in European politics.
France President Macron dissolves French parliament, calls a snap election after defeat in EU vote
The announcement came after the first projected results from France put the far-right National Rally party well ahead in the European Union's parliamentary elections, handing a chastening loss to Macron's pro-European centrists, according to French opinion poll institutes.
Millions join EU vote finale as far right eyes gains
Twenty-one of the bloc's 27 countries, including heavy hitters France and Germany, were voting on the election's biggest day to help shape the European Union's direction over the next five years. "In the current world situation, where everyone is trying to isolate each other, it's important to keep standing up for peace and democracy," said Berling voter Tanja Reith, 52.
Millions will vote on Europe's super Sunday, with surveys suggesting a shift to the right
Voters across 20 European nations are casting their ballots in the EU election super Sunday, with concerns over a potential shift to the political right impacting the bloc's decision-making amidst ongoing conflicts and rising anti-migrant sentiment. Populist parties are expected to make gains, potentially reshaping the European Parliament's dynamics. The elections mark a pivotal moment for the EU's future trajectory and international relationships.
Slovaks and others go to the polls in EU elections under the shadow of an assassination attempt
Voters in Slovakia, Italy, and other European Union nations are casting their ballots for the European Parliament on the third day of elections. In Slovakia, an attempt to assassinate populist Prime Minister Robert Fico on May 15 has reverberated throughout Europe. Analysts believe the attack could boost the chances of the premier's leftist Smer party, the senior partner in the governing coalition, to win the vote.
Denmark's Prime Minister Frederiksen assaulted in central Copenhagen, man arrested
Two eyewitnesses, Anna Ravn and Marie Adrian, told the daily BT that they saw a man walking toward Frederiksen and then "pushing her hard on the shoulder so she was shoved aside." They stressed that the premier did not fall down.
Azerbaijan proposes COP truce to unite countries on climate change
Azerbaijan, the host of this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29), is aiming to shield the annual talks from geopolitical tensions by proposing a two-week COP truce. This initiative, inspired by the Olympic truce, is intended to unite countries in a collaborative effort to address the pressing issue of climate change. Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, highlighted the current global geopolitical polarization as reminiscent of the Cold War era, making consensus-building on climate action challenging.
Meta hit with privacy complaints in Europe over AI plans
A Vienna-based privacy campaign group filed complaints in 11 European countries against Meta on Thursday, saying the global tech giant's planned privacy policy change would allow "unlawful" use of personal data for artificial intelligence technology. Through the complaints, the group asks data protection authorities in the 11 European countries to stop Meta's new privacy policy before it enters into force in late June and fully investigate it.
Dutch voters kick off marathon EU elections
Dutch voters kick off EU election marathon, testing far-right shift in EU parliament amid geopolitical uncertainty after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
France's far right may win big in EU elections. That's worrying for migrants, Macron and Ukraine
The June 6-9 elections in all 27 EU countries will shift the makeup of the European Parliament and policymaking in the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, likely further toward the right and far right. And that could boost Le Pen's chances of winning France's presidency in 2027, a long-time dream.
The European Union in five figures
European Union: The 27-nation bloc stretches from the chilly Arctic in the north to the warmer Mediterranean in the south, and from the Atlantic in the west to the Black Sea in the east.
One parliament, 27 ways of voting: Europe's election
More than 350 million people across 27 countries are called on to participate in one of the West's largest democratic events from June 6 to 9, when EU residents will elect 720 members of the European Parliament. To stand in the European election, you have to be 18 in most countries.
Germany just launched its new point-based Opportunity Card. The best part? You don't need a job offer or family sponsorship
Germany's new Opportunity Card, also known as 'Chancenkarte,' offers a one-year residence permit for non-EU candidates to search for employment without a permanent contract, attracting skilled workers with simplified entry and job search processes.
EU carbon tariff: India preps for a fight at WTO
India is considering challenging the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the World Trade Organization, which mandates non-EU steel producers to report emissions, impacting sectors like iron and steel, cement, and more.
Police search the European Parliament over possible Russian interference, prosecutors say
Belgium's federal prosecutor's office announced police searches at a European Parliament employee's residence and offices in Brussels and Strasbourg over suspected Russian interference. The investigation involves passive corruption and criminal organization charges, with the employee allegedly promoting Russian propaganda through the Voice of Europe news website
India’s $48 bn input subsidy for power and agri raises hackles
WTO members, including the US and UK, have raised questions about India's $48 billion farm input subsidies for 2022-23, which have been attributed to inflation and rising fertilizer costs. India explained that these subsidies are mainly for power, irrigation, and fertilizers and that the information had been duly notified to the WTO. The US claimed that this amount is more than twice the value of all trade-distorting support notified by India in 2021-22.
Commerce ministry's draft strategy to negotiate future FTAs to be circulated among key departments soon
The commerce ministry has developed a draft comprehensive strategy for future Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The draft will reviewed by key departments, aiming to streamline negotiation processes with India's trading partners. The strategy, presented during a recent meeting involving trade experts, aims to ensure thorough analysis, background work, and systematic reporting throughout negotiation phases. Discussions at a recent 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan also covered topics like India's trade strategy, including new issues like labour and environment in FTAs.
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