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- European Commission to provisionally apply Mercosur trade deal from 1 May
- EU seals free-trade agreement with Australia to reduce tariffs and expand exports
- League One — Tuesday’s 24th Mar fixtures
- Commission urges Hungary to clarify foreign minister’s briefings to Russia
- Stray dogs embark on 20km journey home after escaping from thieves in China
- Italian prime minister meloni concedes defeat in judicial reform referendum
- UK police investigate arson attack on Hatzolah ambulances amid rise in antisemitism
- Travel Disruption at Newark Airport as Flights Are Delayed
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European Commission to provisionally apply Mercosur trade deal from 1 May
4:00 am
European Commission to provisionally apply Mercosur trade deal from 1 May
Deal Finalised
The European Commission confirmed the provisional application of the Mercosur trade deal, effective from 1 May, following ratifications from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
The European Commission confirmed the provisional application of the Mercosur trade deal, effective from 1 May, following ratifications from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
EU Parliament Action
Opponents in the European Parliament have referred the Mercosur trade deal to the Court of Justice, questioning its legality amidst concerns from EU farmers.
Opponents in the European Parliament have referred the Mercosur trade deal to the Court of Justice, questioning its legality amidst concerns from EU farmers.
Next deadline
Provisional application of the Mercosur trade deal is set to begin on 1 May 2026, following Paraguay’s expected notification.
Provisional application of the Mercosur trade deal is set to begin on 1 May 2026, following Paraguay’s expected notification.
Briefing summary
The European Commission confirmed provisional application of the Mercosur trade deal from 1 May, facilitating trade between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
While the agreement received backing from EU member states, it faced opposition in the European Parliament, where opponents referred it to the Court of Justice of the European Union for a legality assessment.
The Commission completed the necessary procedural steps with Paraguay, the legal guardian of Mercosur treaties, ensuring tariff removal on certain products and enhancing trade predictability.
EU says Mercosur deal set for provisional application from 1 May
Published on
The European Commission on Monday took final steps to provisionally apply the Mercosur trade deal from 1 May, covering Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
“The priority now is turning this EU-Mercosur agreement into concrete outcomes, giving EU exporters the platform they need to seize new opportunities for trade, growth and jobs,” EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said, adding: “Provisional application will allow us to begin delivering on that promise.”
The agreement liberalises trade flows between the EU and Mercosur countries, creating a free-trade area of more than 700 million people.
The Commission signed off on the deal and secured backing from EU member states despite strong opposition from EU farmers, who fear unfair competition from Mercosur imports.
But at the European Parliament, opponents secured a majority to refer the agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union to assess its legality.
To proceed, it had to wait for at least one Mercosur country to ratify and notify the agreement before launching provisional implementation with that country. Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have done so, while Paraguay ratified the deal last Tuesday and “is expected to send its notification soon,” the Commission said.
On Monday, the Commission sent a “verbal note” to Paraguay, the legal guardian of Mercosur treaties, completing the final procedural step.
“Provisional application ensures the removal of tariffs on certain products as of day one, creating predictable rules for trade and investment,” the Commission said.
“It will create more resilient and reliable supply chains, crucial in particular for the predictable flow of Critical Raw Materials.”
EU seals free-trade agreement with Australia to reduce tariffs and expand exports
2:00 am
EU seals free-trade agreement with Australia to reduce tariffs and expand exports
Trade agreement signed
Ursula von der Leyen and Anthony Albanese finalised a free-trade agreement, reducing tariffs on most EU goods and farm exports, saving the EU €1 billion annually.
Ursula von der Leyen and Anthony Albanese finalised a free-trade agreement, reducing tariffs on most EU goods and farm exports, saving the EU €1 billion annually.
Trade Support
Following the agreement, EU farmers express concerns over domestic market impact, while Brussels insists on safeguards for sensitive sectors amid increased Australian imports.
Following the agreement, EU farmers express concerns over domestic market impact, while Brussels insists on safeguards for sensitive sectors amid increased Australian imports.
Next steps
Brussels plans to provisionally apply the Mercosur pact from 1 May 2026, despite ongoing legal challenges from the European Parliament.
Brussels plans to provisionally apply the Mercosur pact from 1 May 2026, despite ongoing legal challenges from the European Parliament.
Briefing summary
The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has finalised a free-trade agreement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, significantly reducing tariffs on various EU goods. The deal aims to save the EU approximately €1 billion annually in duties, with a projected 33% increase in exports over the next decade.
In addressing agricultural concerns, the agreement allows for gradual tariff reductions on products like cheese and wine, alongside quotas for Australian beef and sheep. Additionally, it facilitates EU access to critical Australian raw materials, while 75% of EU electric vehicles will be exempt from Australia’s luxury car tax.
Von der Leyen clinches Australia trade deal
Published on
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday sealed a free-trade agreement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, slashing tariffs on most EU goods and farm exports.
The deal marks another win for Brussels as it races to diversify trade ties and lock in strategic partners amid rising global tensions.
The pact will save the EU €1 billion a year in duties, the Commission said, with exports projected to climb as much as 33% over the next decade.
Agriculture proved a flashpoint, with EU farmers already pushing back against the Mercosur trade agreement and a legal challenge from MEPs threatening ratification.
Tariffs will eventually fall to zero on products including cheese (over three years), wine, some fruit and vegetables, chocolate and processed foods.
On the toughest issues — beef and sheep, which sank talks in 2023 — Australia agreed to quotas of 30,600 and 25,000 tonnes a year, respectively.
A safeguard mechanism will allow the EU to shield sensitive sectors if a surge in Australian imports harms the bloc’s market.
Beyond agriculture, the agreement opens access to Australia’s critical raw materials, including aluminium, lithium and manganese.
Brussels also failed to scrap Australia’s luxury car tax. Instead, 75% of EU electric vehicles will be exempt.
The deal is a geostrategic push
The Commission expects strong export gains in key sectors, including dairy (up to 48%), motor vehicles (52%) and chemicals (20%).
Brussels has prioritized the deal as it builds partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s influence has become central. A security and defence partnership with Canberra was also announced Tuesday.
“The EU and Australia may be geographically far apart but we couldn’t be closer in terms of how we see the world,” von der Leyen said, adding: “With these dynamic new partnerships on security and defence, as well as trade, we are moving even closer together.”
Since Donald Trump returned to power in 2025, trade agreements have taken on sharper geostrategic weight for the EU as it seeks new markets.
In 2025, Brussels struck deals with Mexico, Switzerland and Indonesia. The Mercosur pact was also signed earlier this year and will be provisionally applied from 1 May despite a European Parliament legal challenge.
More could follow. Talks are ongoing with the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, von der Leyen told EU ambassadors on 9 March.
League One — Tuesday’s 24th Mar fixtures
1:00 am
Today’s fixtures include matches from League One and League Two.
League One
Matchday 32
Doncaster Rovers 19:45 Port Vale
League Two
Matchday 26
Oldham Athletic 19:45 Notts County
Commission urges Hungary to clarify foreign minister’s briefings to Russia
10:00 pm
Commission urges Hungary to clarify foreign minister’s briefings to Russia
Hungary’s Controversy
The Commission has urged Budapest to clarify allegations that Péter Szijjártó briefed Russian counterpart Lavrov on confidential EU Council meetings.
The Commission has urged Budapest to clarify allegations that Péter Szijjártó briefed Russian counterpart Lavrov on confidential EU Council meetings.
Budapest Responds
Hungarian officials deny claims of any illicit briefings, asserting that their diplomatic communications adhere to EU protocols.
Hungarian officials deny claims of any illicit briefings, asserting that their diplomatic communications adhere to EU protocols.
Clarification requested
Budapest must provide clarity on allegations of Péter Szijjártó briefing Lavrov on EU Council meetings by the upcoming EU Council meeting next month.
Budapest must provide clarity on allegations of Péter Szijjártó briefing Lavrov on EU Council meetings by the upcoming EU Council meeting next month.
Briefing summary
The European Commission has urged Budapest to clarify allegations that Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó briefed Russian counterpart Lavrov on confidential EU Council meetings. This has led to considerable controversy.
EU officials expressed serious concerns regarding these reports, emphasising the potential breaches of trust among EU member states. The situation is being closely monitored by Brussels.
EU calls on Hungary to clarify ‘concerning’ reports of Russia leaks
The Commission has called on Budapest to clarify reports suggesting that Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó regularly briefed his Russian counterpart Lavrov on closed-door EU Council meeting causing uproar.
Stray dogs embark on 20km journey home after escaping from thieves in China
9:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Stray dogs embark on 20km journey home after escaping from thieves in China
On March 16, a pack of seven stray dogs, including a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever, were stolen from homes in a village in rural China. The dogs escaped from a van and completed a 20km journey back home, led by a Corgi named Big Fat.
The local Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base reported that the dogs were all neighbours from the same village, usually seen roaming together and forming a strong bond. According to the South China Post, the dogs’ two-day trek home highlights ongoing concerns about the dog meat trade in China.
Disney has been alerted following the remarkable return of seven dogs that escaped a perilous fate after being stolen in Jilin province, China. Their journey home has raised concerns about the ongoing dog meat trade in the region, where there remain over 50 active slaughterhouses.
Seven dogs escape meat market and escort eachother on mammoth journey home | News World
Disney will surely be calling soon after a pack of seven stray dogs stolen to be turned into meat managed to find their way home after a treacherous 20km journey.
The ragtag group of Corgis, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds were snatched from three homes in a village in rural China on March 16.
Destined to be turned into meat, they managed to chew through their cage and escape the van, according to the South China Post.
The group then began their mammoth journey home alongside a busy motorway and cutting through expansive wheat fields in Changchun.
The group were led by a brave Corgi, named Big Fat, known for its ability to find its way home.
Homeward Bound: The Corgi known as Big Fat led his friends back home to safety
At times, the dogs formed a tight block around a German Shepherd badly injured during the escape. They never left him behind.
The Golden Retriever was also seen acting as a ‘sentry’ on the perimeter, scanning the surroundings and wagging its tail to reassure its companions.
Another passing road user captured footage of the dogs wandering through nearby fields in their two day journey.
The local Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base reported that the dogs were all neighbours from the same village, usually seen roaming together and forming a strong bond.
One onlooker told Chinese outlet Dahe Daily: ‘They resemble a band of little brothers in distress, moving in unison – nothing like stray dogs.’
Finally, after two days they made it home.
One owner expressed relief that his missing dogs – a German shepherd and a Golden Retriever – returned home, stating: ‘We are so lucky they came back, not to be eaten.’
Another owner proudly spoke of her Corgi, known for its cleverness and ability to find its way home.
Their adventure has sparked concerns about the dog meat trade in China.
No dog left behind: They stayed together and made the long journey home
Younger generations are using stories like this to highlight the cruelty of the trade – which is declining.
But during long, icy winters, locals believe eating dog meat provides warmth and sustenance.
In big cities like Changchun, Harbin, and Dalian, numerous incidents of pet dogs being stolen have been reported.
Dogs are usually stolen or strays captured and killed because it’s cheaper for thieves than breeding them to be slaughtered.
Jilin province, the area where the dogs were stolen, still has more than 50 active slaughterhouses.
There’s no nationwide ban on eating dogs in China and it mainly happens in parts of southern China – but Shenzhen banned it in 2020.
The Yulin Dog Meat Festival is an annual event that involves the slaughter and consumption of dogs and sometimes cats, drawing widespread international condemnation from animal welfare groups.
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Italian prime minister meloni concedes defeat in judicial reform referendum
8:00 pm
Italian prime minister meloni concedes defeat in judicial reform referendum
Referendum Result
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat in a referendum on judicial reform, with 55% of voters rejecting the proposed changes.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat in a referendum on judicial reform, with 55% of voters rejecting the proposed changes.
Political Fallout
Matteo Renzi urged the government to heed public sentiment following the referendum’s outcome, highlighting the importance of respecting voters’ decisions.
Matteo Renzi urged the government to heed public sentiment following the referendum’s outcome, highlighting the importance of respecting voters’ decisions.
Current status
Cesare Parodi, president of the National Association of Magistrates, announced his resignation due to family reasons on the same day as the referendum results were released.
Cesare Parodi, president of the National Association of Magistrates, announced his resignation due to family reasons on the same day as the referendum results were released.
Briefing summary
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged the defeat of a referendum on judicial reform, stating, “The Italians have decided,” but confirmed her intention to remain in office.
Voter turnout for the referendum was approximately 59%, with 55% rejecting the proposed constitutional changes aimed at restructuring Italy’s judiciary into separate career paths for judges and prosecutors.
The reform had been previously approved by Parliament but lacked the two-thirds majority necessary to bypass a popular vote, which was exclusively confirmatory.
Meloni admits defeat as Italians reject judicial reform in major referendum
By Andreas Rogal & EU News Italy with AFP
Published on •Updated
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conceded defeat Monday in a referendum on judicial reform but said she would not resign.
“The Italians have decided. And we respect this decision,” Meloni said in a statement on X. “This does not change our commitment to continue, with seriousness and determination, to work for the good of the nation and to honour the mandate entrusted to us.”
Voters rejected the constitutional reform, with around 55% voting no and 45% voting yes, based on nearly all the votes counted. Turnout reached nearly 59%.
The reform would have split Italy’s judiciary into separate career paths for judges and prosecutors, divided the Superior Council of the Magistracy into two bodies and created a new Disciplinary Court.
Italy currently operates a unified judiciary where judges and prosecutors belong to the same professional body. They take the same entrance exam and can switch between roles during their careers.
Parliament approved the reform in October 2025 but it failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed to avoid a popular vote.
The referendum was confirmatory, meaning the law would have entered force only if the popular vote was in favour. No turnout quorum was required.
Galeazzo Bignami, leader of Meloni’s Brothers of Italy group in the Chamber of Deputies, said he had hoped for a different outcome. “It is a united proposal from the centre-right,” he said, noting the entire coalition had committed to the reform in 2022. “It cannot be said that the victory would be ours and the defeat of the others.”
Nicola Fratoianni, co-founder of the Green Left Alliance, said the right wanted to overturn the guarantee system. “It went badly for them,” he said. “Whoever sided with the yes party made a glaring mistake, on the merits and from a political point of view.”
Matteo Renzi, leader of Italia Viva, who abstained when the reform was approved in parliament, recommended that the government listen to the people. Renzi resigned as premier and leader of the Democratic Party after losing a constitutional referendum he had promoted in 2016.
Cesare Parodi, president of the National Association of Magistrates, announced his resignation on Monday. The decision was made for family reasons, but the timing coincided with the preliminary results.
Opponents argued the reform would erode judicial independence and give the government control over the magistracy, a claim Meloni denied.
Meloni has led Italy’s government since October 2022. Her mandate runs through 2027.
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