Latest News
- Secretary general meets Trump ahead of July leaders’ summit on Iran
- EU Digital Euro Advances as Bloc Seeks Financial Independence from US
- US economy shows signs of recovery as inflation begins to ease
- B.C. expands chronic offender initiative amid raised concerns
- New York House primaries evaluate Mamdani’s influence amid key races in South Carolina, Maryland, and Utah
- UN chief warns London faces extreme heatwave and fossil fuel dangers
- Iceland resumes whaling, killing two fin whales off its coast
- Alibaba files lawsuit against US Department of Defense over military label
EU
The Secretary General’s meeting with Trump precedes a challenging leaders’ summit in July, as tensions persist over the US’s significantly reduced defence commitments to Europe amid ongoing conflicts, particularly concerning the war in Iran.
EU STRATEGY UPDATE
European Union members discuss energy security measures today.
Impetus for cooperative defence and climate action intensifies.
Two fin whales were killed off Iceland’s coast shortly after commercial hunting resumed, marking the first catches since 2023. This follows a two-year pause attributed to economic issues. The Icelandic government plans to introduce a bill banning whaling this autumn amid international concern over declining whale populations.
Hungary has returned $40 million and 9kg of gold to Ukraine’s Oschadbank, seized during a March raid amid diplomatic tensions. President Zelenskyy lauded this as a crucial step in improving relations, following Hungary’s lift of a veto that previously stalled EU financial support for Ukraine.
EU STRATEGY UPDATE
This morning, Europe prepares for key discussions on energy policy and security reforms.
Urgent measures reflect ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Donald Trump has announced a tariff increase on European cars to 25%, prompting potential retaliatory measures from the EU. This development marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the US and Europe, with implications for both economies.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on Tuesday urged the US to adhere to the EU-US trade deal established in Turnberry, as tensions rise over proposed US tariffs on EU cars. Šefčovič emphasised the need for a swift return to a 15% tariff cap amid ongoing negotiations.
Romania is currently grappling with significant economic challenges, including one of the highest budget deficits in the EU, soaring inflation, and a technical recession. This prolonged period of instability poses critical questions for the country’s financial future and governance.
European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič is in Paris for critical discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer amid rising tensions over US tariff threats on European cars. French MEP Aurore Lalucq voiced scepticism towards US trustworthiness following a contentious trade deal, with further negotiations planned.
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