LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.

When are the German Elections?

The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025

Why are they having a snap election?

The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote

Do Germans vote?

Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout

Nine-Year-Old Boy Sustains Severe Burns from Viral Microwave Challenge | News UK

TL:DR – Nine-Year-Old Boy Sustains Severe Burns from Viral Microwave Challenge | News UK

  • A 9-year-old boy, Caleb Chabolla, sustained severe burns after microwaving a Needoh cube, following a social media trend.
  • The toy exploded, covering his face and hands in molten material, leaving his eye swollen shut.
  • His mother took him to the emergency room, where he received treatment for second-degree burns.
  • Experts warn that such toys should never be heated, as they can cause significant injuries.
  • Caleb is the fourth child this year to suffer similar burns from this dangerous trend.

Boy, 9, suffers horror burns in social media microwave challenge | News UK



Nine-Year-Old Boy Sustains Severe Burns from Viral Microwave Challenge | News UK
Caleb Chabolla’s swollen face after he put one of his Needoh cubes in the microwave (Picture: Loyola Medecine)

A 9-year-old boy is lucky not to lose his eye after suffering horrific burns taking part in a disturbing new social media trend.

Several children are thought to have been injured like Caleb Chabolla after he filmed himself putting a plastic toy into a microwave for likes on TikTok.

With his mum thinking he was sorting out his own breakfast, he was actually heating up a Needoh cube, a sensory toy or stress ball popular with schoolkids.

But as Caleb opened the microwave, the cube, filled with gelatinous material, exploded, sending molten gelatinous material all over his face and hands.

His mother Whitney Grubb said she heard Caleb let out a ‘blood-curdling scream’ as he got ready for school.

Sign up for all of the latest stories

Grubb tried to rinse the material off in the shower, but the goo was so thick and sticky he was rushed to an emergency room before being transferred to Loyola’s burn centre in Chicago.

She said her 9-year-old son Caleb Chabolla put one of his Needoh cubes in the microwave a few weeks ago as they were getting ready for school.
Caleb, 9, suffered second-degree burns on one side and his hands (Picture: Loyola Medicine)

She said her 9-year-old son Caleb Chabolla put one of his Needoh cubes in the microwave a few weeks ago as they were getting ready for school.
Caleb Chabolla let out a ‘blood-curdling scream’ (Picture: Loyola Medicine)

‘It wasn’t anything malicious, it was just kids sharing stories, and unfortunately, he decided to try it’, she told the Chicago Sun Times. 

His eye was also ‘completely swollen shut’ after the toy exploded, Grubb told CBS News.

She said her 9-year-old son Caleb Chabolla put one of his Needoh cubes in the microwave a few weeks ago as they were getting ready for school.

When Caleb opened the microwave, the Needoh cube exploded all over his face (Picture: Amazon)

Kelly McElligott, a burn outreach coordinator with Loyola, said Caleb was left with such bad injuries because the gelatin material is ‘so vicious.’

‘Because it’s so viscous, it sticks, and it stays hot longer, it’s going to cause a more significant burn,’ McElligott told the outlet.

‘Do not heat these up in any way, shape, or form. Whether it’s the microwave, hot water, those things can really be dangerous,’ she warned.

Grubb echoed the expert’s findings, adding: ‘Just talk with your kids, make sure they understand the safety of the things.’

‘Unfortunately, Caleb’s is the fourth case we have seen this year with Needoh cubes,’ said Paula Petersen, a burn centre advanced practice nurse.

‘Caleb is very lucky he didn’t sustain greater injuries. These trends can be extremely dangerous for young people who are less likely to consider or unable to understand the serious consequences.’

She said her 9-year-old son Caleb Chabolla put one of his Needoh cubes in the microwave a few weeks ago as they were getting ready for school.
Caleb Chabolla is the fourth child one burn centre has seen after the dangerous challenge failed (Picture: Loyola Medicine)

According to TikTok spokesperson Nick Smith, TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit content that promotes dangerous activities.

‘We remove these videos when we find them and in Q3 of last year, we removed 99.8% of them proactively (before any reports were filed) and more than 97% within 24 hours,’ Smith said.

Comment now

Comments

Add UK News as a Preferred Source on Google

Add as preferred source

Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Digital Marketing Strategies Today

Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Digital Marketing Strategies Today

Protests erupted in London as thousands rallied against the government’s controversial new housing policy, a move many claim exacerbates the ongoing housing crisis.

Organised by a coalition of housing activists and community organisations, the demonstration saw participants gathering outside Westminster, demanding immediate action to address skyrocketing rent prices and insufficient affordable housing.

The government’s proposed policy aims to accelerate housing development by reducing regulations. However, critics argue that this will prioritise profit over people, leading to further displacement of vulnerable communities. “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about homes for families,” said protestor and housing advocate Sarah Jenkins.

The demonstration unfolded in front of the Houses of Parliament, where protesters waved placards and chanted slogans, urging MPs to reconsider the legislation. Many passionate speeches were delivered, emphasising the urgent need for a comprehensive plan that prioritises affordable housing over commercial interests.

Among those involved were representatives from Shelter, a major housing charity, which tweeted, “We cannot allow this policy to increase homelessness. The government must listen to the cries of the people.” Their statement reflects a widespread concern that ignoring community voices will only worsen the crisis.

As the rally concluded, activists vowed to continue their fight, suggesting that further protests may be planned ahead of the upcoming parliamentary debates. “We will not be silenced; we will keep pushing until they hear us,” added Jenkins, highlighting the determination of many to ensure housing remains a fundamental right, not a privilege.

Today’s Football Fixtures| PL| Seria A| La Liga & more

Today’s Football Fixtures | PL | Serie A | La Liga & More

Carabao Cup – Matchday

Manchester City vs Newcastle United

Kick-off: 20:00

Quarter-final

Internazionale vs Torino

Kick-off: 20:00

Quarter-final

Deportivo Alavés vs Real Sociedad

Kick-off: 20:00

Quarter-final

Valencia CF vs Athletic Club

Kick-off: 20:00

Matchday 25

Dundee FC vs Motherwell

Kick-off: 19:45

Hibernian vs Dundee United

Kick-off: 19:45

Livingston vs Falkirk

Kick-off: 19:45

Rangers vs Kilmarnock

Kick-off: 19:45

Aberdeen vs Celtic

Kick-off: 20:00

Matchday 1

The Strongest vs Deportivo Táchira

Kick-off: 00:00

Quarter-final

Holstein Kiel vs VfB Stuttgart

Kick-off: 19:45

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Vote for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year

TL:DR – “Step-by-Step Guide: How to Vote for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year”

  • The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 features 24 shortlisted images from over 60,000 entries.
  • Significant themes highlight issues like poaching, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade.
  • Online voting is open until March 18.
  • Notable nominees include a polar bear with cubs, a playful lynx, and a rescued pangolin.
  • These compelling images aim to raise awareness about the state of the natural world.

Here’s how to vote for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award

Judges have whittled down a shortlist of 24 phenomenal images from 60,636 entries for this year’s competition. Submissions were made from around the world and online voting is now open. Not only do these images showcase technical ability and a creative eye, but they highlight important themes impacting the natural world today.

Several entries draw attention to issues such as poaching, pollution and illegal wildlife trade. Take a look at some of the nominations in this gallery and don’t forget to cast your vote here. Voting closes on March 18 (Picture: Christopher Paetkau/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Vote for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year

EMBARGOED TO 0001 GMT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4 FOR ONLINE USE. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM'S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 All coverage must include a link to the online voting page for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026: https://bit.ly/NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward202 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE THE IMAGE: Josef Stefa/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 24 (twenty four) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Flying Rodent by Josef Stefan, from Austria, of a young lynx playfully throws a rodent into the air before killing and devouring it in Torre de Juan Abad, Ciudad Real, Spain, one of the nominees in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026. Issue date: Wednesday February 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Josef Stefan/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer Josef Stefan spent two weeks observing lynx from a hide at Torre de Juan Abad, Ciudad Real, Spain. This particular young lynx played with its prey for 20 minutes, throwing it up into the air multiple times before eating it (Picture: Josef Stefan/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

EMBARGOED TO 0001 GMT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4 FOR ONLINE USE. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM'S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 All coverage must include a link to the online voting page for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026: https://bit.ly/NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward202 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE THE IMAGE: Lance van de Vyver/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 24 (twenty four) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of A Fragile Future by Lance van de Vyver, from South Africa, of a pangolin pup nestles into the warmth of a blanket at a rescue centre in South Africa, one of the nominees in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026. Issue date: Wednesday February 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Lance van de Vyver/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Shortly after this pangolin pup was born, its mother died. She was a victim of poaching and lived in appalling conditions. Pangolins are one of the world’s most trafficked animals, often sought after for their scales which are used in traditional medicine (Picture: Lance van de Vyver/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

EMBARGOED TO 0001 GMT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4 FOR ONLINE USE. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM'S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 All coverage must include a link to the online voting page for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026: https://bit.ly/NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward202 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE THE IMAGE: Adam Oswell/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 24 (twenty four) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Portrait of Extinction by Adam Oswell, from Australia, of a mountainous pile of confiscated snares lies behind Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, one of the nominees in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026. Issue date: Wednesday February 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Adam Oswell/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
These animal snares were confiscated over a one-year period. It was shot by photographer Adam Oswell in the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. He helped park rangers and volunteers to build the enormous pile in order to highlight the continued effort to combat poaching syndicates in the area (Picture: Adam Oswell/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

EMBARGOED TO 0001 GMT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4 FOR ONLINE USE. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM'S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 All coverage must include a link to the online voting page for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026: https://bit.ly/NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward202 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE THE IMAGE: Cecile Gabillon/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 24 (twenty four) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Swirling Superpod by Cecile Gabillon, from France, of a superpod of spinner dolphins herds lanternfish towards the surface of the ocean in the Pacific Ocean, near Costa Rica, one of the nominees in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026. Issue date: Wednesday February 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Cecile Gabillon/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
This image captures a superpod of spinner dolphins herding their prey; superpods of this size are becoming increasingly rare due to overfishing and pollution. Photographer Cecile Gabillon said that her fisheye lens wasn’t even wide enough to take in the full scene and that she was so amazed by the encounter that she almost forgot to come up for air (Picture: Cecile Gabillon/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

EMBARGOED TO 0001 GMT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4 FOR ONLINE USE. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM'S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 All coverage must include a link to the online voting page for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026: https://bit.ly/NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward202 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE THE IMAGE: Dustin Chen/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 24 (twenty four) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Marvellous Spatuletail by Dustin Chen, from the UK, of a male marvellous spatuletail hummingbird shows off its long tail while it feeds on flowers at Huembo Lodge in Pomacochas, Peru, one of the nominees in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026. Issue date: Wednesday February 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Dustin Chen/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Due to deforestation, the natural habitat of these marvellous spatuletail hummingbirds has become smaller and smaller. They now only exist in a small area of the Andes in northern Peru. Photographer Dustin Chen was lucky enough to encounter one showing off its long tail while feeding on flowers (Picture: Dustin Chen/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

EMBARGOED TO 0001 GMT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4 FOR ONLINE USE. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM'S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 All coverage must include a link to the online voting page for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026: https://bit.ly/NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward202 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE THE IMAGE: Nima Sarikhani/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 24 (twenty four) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of The Final Portrait by Nima Sarikhani, from the UK, of a polar bear cub looks into the camera as it accompanies its mother on an unsuccessful hunting trip on the coast of Svalbard archipelago, one of the nominees in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026. Issue date: Wednesday February 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nima Sarikhani/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer Nima Sarikhani has said that this image is likely the last photo taken of this polar bear cub. Shortly after it was taken, the polar bear and its family were hunting for food too close to an area of huts and were chased away by people. The mother was sadly found dead by a nearby shore of the Svalbard archipelago, and the cub was then shot by police who claimed it was acting aggressively (Picture: Nima Sarikhani/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

EMBARGOED TO 0001 GMT WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4 FOR ONLINE USE. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM'S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 All coverage must include a link to the online voting page for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026: https://bit.ly/NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward202 MANDATORY CREDIT MUST APPEAR ALONGSIDE THE IMAGE: Mogens Trolle/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 24 (twenty four) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer. Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of Into the Furnace by Mogens Trolle, from Denmark, of sun bear shelters from the rain in a furnace in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Thailand, one of the nominees in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026. Issue date: Wednesday February 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Mogens Trolle/Wildlife Photographer of the Year/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
This sun bear was found sheltering from the rain in a furnace just as a butterfly came to land on its nose. It was taken in the Kaeng Krachan National Park in Thailand where an increasing number of sun bears have been seen entering campsites looking for food (Picture: Mogens Trolle/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior confronts Arsenal players before Carabao Cup semi-final

TL:DR – Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior confronts Arsenal players before Carabao Cup semi-final

  • On Wednesday, Chelsea head Liam Rosenior voiced his frustration, instructing Arsenal players to stay in their half during the warm-ups before the Carabao Cup final.
  • Arsenal secured a place in the final, defeating Chelsea with a 4-2 aggregate score, capped by a late goal from Kai Havertz.
  • Chelsea’s manager praised his team’s efforts post-match, despite recent injuries affecting key players like Pedro Neto and Reece James.
  • Rosenior noted that he finalised the team selection on match day due to late fitness tests.
  • The Carabao Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, 22 March, against either Manchester City or Newcastle United.

Liam Rosenior spotted furiously swearing at Arsenal stars in Carabao Cup defeat | Football

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior expressed his frustration towards Arsenal players during the warm-ups before Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final, reportedly telling them to “stay in your f*****g half.” This incident occurred as Arsenal prepared to face Chelsea, having previously taken a 3-2 lead from the first leg.

Arsenal secured a 4-2 aggregate victory after a late goal from Kai Havertz, ending Chelsea’s hopes for a comeback following recent wins over West Ham United and Napoli.

Visibly agitated by Arsenal players

Rosenior was visibly agitated as Arsenal players encroached into Chelsea’s half during the warm-up, a moment captured by Sky Sports cameras.

Rosenior later adopted a more composed demeanour at full-time, commending his team’s determination despite facing challenges with player fitness ahead of the cup match.

“We’ve had a lot to contend with the last couple of days,” he said, confirming that he named the team just hours before the match when all player details were confirmed.

He acknowledged the players’ effort and noted the lack of conversion from opportunities created during the game.

Ursula von der Leyen to Visit Australia in Bid for Trade Agreement This Month

TL:DR – Ursula von der Leyen to Visit Australia in Bid for Trade Agreement This Month

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Australia later this month to advance a long-delayed trade agreement.
• The trip is likely after the Munich Security Conference, concluding on 15 February.
• Negotiations led by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell will determine the trip’s success.
• Talks on the EU-Australia free-trade agreement collapsed in 2023 due to market access disputes.
• Agriculture is a critical issue impacting EU trade negotiations, particularly concerning beef and dairy.

Von der Leyen to travel to Australia to seal trade deal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to visit Australia later this month in an effort to finalise a long-delayed trade agreement, according to sources familiar with the matter.

This visit, anticipated shortly after the Munich Security Conference concludes on 15 February, is significant as concluding the deal would bolster the Commission’s trade achievements amid escalating geopolitical tensions with the United States and China.

The importance of this agreement lies in the European Union’s broader strategy to diversify trade relationships and enhance access to global markets.

The State of the European Economy -Visual and analytical representation of EU government finance data and Euro economy - The Economic Pulse -
The Economic Pulse – WTX News Weekly PAPER of the EU economy – FREE for 30 days

The visit’s success will depend on the outcomes of negotiations led by European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who is set to meet Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell in Brussels next week.

Earlier discussions on an EU-Australia free trade agreement collapsed in 2023 after Australia accused the European Union of not providing adequate market access for essential agricultural products.

Agriculture issues continue to pose challenges in EU trade negotiations, as seen with the controversial Mercosur agreement that has faced strong opposition from European farmers concerned about competition. Despite these challenges, Australia is regarded in Brussels as a vital strategic partner in the EU’s efforts to reduce reliance on traditional markets.

LIVE German 2025 Election