EUROPEAN STATES
China's Xi Jinping greets EU Council president ahead of EV tariffs taking effect
China's President Xi Jinping conveyed his congratulations to incoming European Council President Antonio Costa, emphasizing the importance of China-EU relations. This comes ahead of the European Commission's decision to impose tariffs of up to 37.6% on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), citing state subsidies benefiting Chinese firms. Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to its partnership with the EU, rejecting accusations of unfair subsidies on Chinese EVs. The EU faces internal divisions over supporting these tariffs, with Germany leaning towards opposing them due to significant automotive sales in China, while France supports them firmly.
US military bases in Europe on high alert amid terror threat concerns
Several US military bases across Europe have heightened their security alert to Force Protection Condition "Charlie," indicating a significant terror threat. This measure, last seen over a decade ago, reflects growing concerns ahead of major events like the Paris Olympics and European football championships. European countries have ramped up security, with Germany and France taking extensive precautions to address potential dangers. Authorities advise vigilance amid these heightened threat levels.
European jewellers using services of mega CFC for quality testing
The Mumbai-based mega common facility centre (CFC) in the special economic zone (SEZ) is now being used by European jewellers for quality testing. The facility, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January, offers technical services like 3D printing, hallmarking, mass finishing, refining, and casting of gold, platinum, and silver.
Chinese chipmaker Nexperia invests $200 million in European expansion
Nexperia makes 100 billion such chips annually, nearly a quarter of the world's supply. These chips are preferred over traditional silicon chips due to their enhanced efficiency, speed, lightweight nature, and capability to operate effectively in high temperature and high voltage conditions, which are crucial in electrical infrastructure applications.
Israel to roll out plan to replace Hamas in northern Gaza
Israel's National Security Advisor, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced that Jerusalem will soon implement a plan to replace Hamas governance in northern Gaza. Speaking at the Herzliya Conference, Hanegbi said the collapse of Hamas's military rule will create opportunities for alternative leadership, involving Israel's Abraham Accords partners, the US, the EU, and the UN. The Israeli military will continue efforts to eliminate Hamas's presence. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized Israel's goals of dismantling Hamas, retrieving hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer threatens Israel. This plan includes a civilian administration supported by Arab nations and a deradicalization process.
Vladimir Putin’s hybrid war opens a second front on NATO’s eastern border
Several masked men removed navigational aids on the Narva River, separating Estonia from Russia, signaling Russia's intent to provoke and destabilize Baltic states. These acts, seen as part of a hybrid war, include airspace violations, GPS interference, and recruiting criminals for sabotage. The region is increasingly a second front in the West's conflict with Moscow. Neighboring countries are reinforcing borders and seeking NATO's attention, as Russia's actions aim to spread fear and division, utilizing disinformation and migrant crises.
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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.
Int’l investors grabbed bulk of share offering: Saudi Aramco
Saudi Aramco's latest offering raised $11.2 billion with international investors acquiring the majority of shares. The Gulf kingdom aims to boost finances for large-scale projects in preparation for a post-oil future.
European shares slip as energy counters weigh
European shares slipped on Tuesday as weakness in crude prices dragged energy stocks, while investors refrained from placing huge bets before the European Central Bank's interest rate decision later this week.
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.
EU court backs Google, Amazon, Airbnb in Italian rule dispute
The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union said, "A member state may not impose additional obligations on an online service provider established in another member state."
Palestinian PM calls on Spanish counterpart
The diplomatic move by the three western European nations on Tuesday was slammed by Israel and will have little immediate impact on its grinding war in Gaza, but it was a victory for the Palestinians and could encourage other Western powers to follow suit.
Three EU nations recognise Palestinian statehood
Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Spain on X, saying that Sanchez's government was "being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes." While around 140 countries have recognised a Palestinian state - over two-thirds of the UN - none of the major Western powers has done so.
Spain's prime minister says Cabinet to recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens
Ireland and Norway were also to make official their recognition of a Palestinian state later in the day. While dozens of countries have recognized a Palestinian state, none of the major Western powers has done so.
EU, Israel in war of words as ties nosedive ahead of Spain, Ireland recognising Palestinian state
Angry words abounded Monday, with Katz accusing Spain of "rewarding terror" by recognising a Palestinian state, and saying that "the days of the Inquisition are over". He referred to the infamous Spanish institution started in the 15th century to maintain Roman Catholic orthodoxy that forced Jews and Muslims to flee, convert to Catholicism or, in some instances, face death.
EU foreign chief says Israel must respect UN court, control settler violence in the West Bank
Borrell insisted Israel had driven the Palestinians to the edge of a catastrophe because "the situation in Gaza is beyond words. The occupied West Bank is on the brink, risking an explosion any time." While most of the global attention is centered on Gaza, Borrell said that "we should not forget what's happening in the West Bank," where the seat of the Palestinian Authority is based.
G7 officials make progress but no final deal on money for Ukraine from frozen Russian assets
G7 finance officials are nearing an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to benefit Ukraine, with final decisions to be made at a June summit of national leaders.
EU industry chief urges US to pass new tech rules, foster shared digital market
EU's industry chief calls for new tech regulations for global digital market. Leading in tech regulation with DMA and AI Act. U.S. facing antitrust lawsuit against Apple by Department of Justice.
With Ukraine losing ground, allies debate how to squeeze cash for Kyiv out of frozen Russian assets
Ukraine's allies are debating how to use frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv's war effort amid Russia's territorial gains. The issue of $260 billion in Russian assets frozen abroad is a key concern at the G7 meeting in Italy.
Israel furious as Ireland, Norway, Spain recognise Palestinian state
Israel reacted with fury as Ireland, Norway, and Spain announced plans to recognise Palestine. the move prompted praise from Arab and Muslim nations. Israel accused the countries of "rewarding terrorism." Most Western nations support for a Palestinian statehood, but issues remain. The move was seen as a symbolic step in favour of Palestine.
Spain, Ireland and Norway will recognise a Palestinian state on May 28. Why does that matter?
Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced on Wednesday their intention to recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, responding to international outcry over the civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This move may encourage other EU nations to follow suit, potentially leading to further steps at the United Nations and increasing pressure on Israel. The recognition of a Palestinian state is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the long-standing conflict in the Middle East, with implications for peace negotiations and the broader international community. Israel has reacted negatively to the recognition, viewing it as a setback to the negotiation process and a reward for Hamas.
Palestine: Ireland, Spain and Norway recognize the state as countries push for Israel-Hamas war solution
The leaders of Ireland, Spain, and Norway announced their countries' recognition of Palestine as a state, intending to support a two-state solution and push for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel's reaction was negative, warning of potential consequences. This move aligns with several European countries considering similar recognition.
Israel says it's recalling ambassadors from Ireland and Norway over Palestinian state recognition
Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz recalls ambassadors from Norway and Ireland as they plan to recognize a Palestinian state, potentially impacting hostage negotiations with Hamas and Iran. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store supports recognition, echoing EU countries' push for a two-state solution post-Oslo agreement.
Israel tries to contain the fallout after some allies support ICC prosecutor's request for warrants
The International Criminal Court seeks arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh, supported by France, Belgium, and Slovenia for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and Israel.
EU signs off on using Russian asset profits for Ukraine
The European Union on Tuesday formally approved using the profits from frozen Russian central bank assets to arm Ukraine, as the United States presses for a more ambitious plan. The final approval of the EU scheme, after months of legal wrangling, comes as the United States and Britain are pushing for a more far-reaching plan at the G7.
Here's the last video of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi moments before the helicopter crashed
A video has gone viral on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, which is considered to have been shot minutes before the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and others crashed. Watch the video here.
India friend of world; we expect it to help bring peace to Ukraine: Switzerland ahead of peace summit
Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel expects India, as a friend of the global community, to play a key role in bringing peace to Ukraine. India's participation in the Switzerland summit is crucial for the peace process, given its influence in diplomatic terms worldwide. India's expertise in conflict transformation and peace promotion is highly valued.
China 'can't have it both ways' on Russia and Western ties: US
US criticized China for supporting Russia in Ukraine, hindering ties with Europe. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping and Putin marked 75th anniversary, aiming to enhance cooperation. Xi also concluded Europe tour after promoting a multipolar world vision.
Dollar sags as slower US inflation boosts rate cut expectations
Stocks and other risk-sensitive assets such as the Australian dollar led gains in the wake of the data release. The Aussie rose 1% overnight in its sharpest one-day jump for the year, and tacked on a further 0.1% in early Asia trade to hit a four-month high of $0.67.
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