Author: staff
Berlin is “open to discussing” stronger trade defense measures,” a German government official told POLITICO. “Things are moving in the right direction. We are open to discussing a measure to address overcapacity.” The bloc’s trade deficit with China widened to €360 billion last year from €312 billion in 2024. And a surge in Chinese goods ranging from vehicles to solar panels and clothes is undercutting Europe’s industries, leading to factory closures and job losses. Yet even with Berlin’s backing, von der Leyen will still need to corral her fellow commissioners into a common stance — a tall order when her…
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries are moving towards deeper economic integration through digitisation and AI, as leaders of the bloc met in Astana for a two-day summit. During the high-level talks, member states discussed creating a unified digital environment to build a seamless market across a shared economic space of more than 20 million square kilometres. Delegations focused on trade, joint projects and the development of shared digital tools and AI systems designed to strengthen cooperation and reduce fragmentation across the bloc. Last year, trade within the union more than doubled, while turnover with third countries rose by 72%, while…
Speaking to reporters in Berlin, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius dismissed Greer’s warning that if implemented the proposal “would be at odds with the Turnberry Agreement.” Germany remains committed to “very close and constructive trade relations” with the U.S., Kornelius said. He also maintained the proposed obligations fall squarely within accepted cultural policy rules. “It is agreed that no unjustified digital trade barriers will be erected. And we are adhering to that,” the spokesperson said, adding that the investment obligations “do not constitute market access barriers” and that the funds would flow directly into productions that streamers themselves can exploit commercially.…
But Al-Masri as released within just two days of his arrest and sent back to Libya on an Italian state jet, in what became a national scandal for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. According to prosecutors investigating the case in Rome, Al-Masri’s militia was part of the state security apparatus and collaborated with Italian security services in blocking illegal boat departures from Libya. The Italian government claimed it acted in interest of national security and that Al-Masri was wanted in Libya for a similar investigation. The two migrants now suing Italy claim they were tortured in a detention center controlled…
Tensions between China and the EU have intensified in recent months, prompting the European Commission to convene most of its commissioners for a strategic rethink during an “orientation debate” on Friday. “China is a critical partner, and engagement and dialogue will continue,” the commission said in a readout following the debate. “At the same time the current state of the trade and investment relationship is not sustainable.” Calling the relationship “not sustainable” may understate the depth of the rupture. Relations have steadily deteriorated since European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen branded Beijing a “systemic rival” in a landmark 2023…
By Euronews Published on 29/05/2026 – 18:26 GMT+2 France is to launch an inquiry into the treatment of its nationals on board the Gaza flotilla. This decision, announced on Friday by the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, follows reports that activists were subjected humiliation, rape and acts of torture while in detention. “Based on a report I requested from our Consul General in Turkey, which detailed sexual violence, exposure to cold, beatings, and repeated humiliations of French nationals – all acts that could constitute criminal offenses”, said Barrot. “I decided yesterday (Thursday) to refer the matter to the Public Prosecutor, in…
Hungary’s Magyar has ‘unlocked’ €16B in EU cash. Getting it is another story. – POLITICO Skip to main content
The European Commission estimates the next EU budget could benefit from almost €11bn in additional yearly revenues from new taxes on digital services, gambling and crypto assets, according to a document shared with EU member states and seen by Euronews. The taxation proposals are being discussed as part of negotiations over the next EU long-term budget for the period 2028-2034. The Commission’s proposal already included several new taxes, known as “own resources”, but most of those proposals faced significant opposition from EU member states, which must adopt the budget unanimously. In April, the European Parliament passed a resolution with additional…
Published on 29/05/2026 – 16:18 GMT+2 The US has crowned a new spelling bee champion. All it took was three days, 18 rounds and a 90-second spell-off that had audiences looking up words they never knew existed. Fourteen-year-old Shrey Parikh from California won the 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night, taking the title in a dramatic finale. Nine competitors began the evening in the field. More than two hours later, only Parikh and 12-year-old Ishaan Gupta from New Jersey remained. When neither could be separated after 18 rounds of spelling and vocabulary questions, officials turned to a rarely…
Magyar’s predecessor, right-wing prime minister Viktor Orbán, was known for his government’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. In early 2025, Hungary’s parliament passed legislation that eventually led to the banning of the Budapest Pride parade. Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, a political rival of Orbán and Green politician, however, found a legal loophole and proceeded with the march last year despite the ban. More than 100,000 people attended, including several European politicians and critics of Orbán’s government. Karácsony was subsequently charged for defying the government ban, but the court suspended proceedings in March. Last month, the EU’s top court struck down the…