EU urged to improve its readiness for war and natural disasters

Donald Trump's proposed 50% tariff on EU exports could severely impact key manufacturing sectors, notably autos, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals, which collectively represent over €530bn in exports to the US. Economic analyses indicate that such tariffs could reduce the EU's GDP by up to 0.5%, with particularly large effects on countries like Ireland. The pharmaceutical sector, which exported nearly €80bn in 2024, warns that tariffs could lead to medicine shortages, while the aerospace and auto industries...

SummaryDonald Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on EU imports starting June 1, 2025, citing stalled negotiations and criticizing the bloc for various trade barriers and unfair practices against American companies. Following his statement on Truth Social, U.S. stock markets declined, with S&P 500 futures dropping 1.5% and the Stoxx Europe 600 index falling 1.7%. Previously, the U.S. had imposed a 20% reciprocal tariff on most EU goods, reduced until July 8 for...

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is actively supporting an EU ban on the Nord Stream pipelines to prevent any attempts by the US and Russia to reactivate them amid ongoing sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine. The sanctions aim to target Nord Stream 2 AG and associated companies, with Merz seeking to mitigate domestic debates over the pipeline's fate and "Europeanize" the issue. Despite a divided public opinion in Germany regarding the resumption of...

Donald Trump’s trade negotiators are urging the EU to make unilateral tariff reductions on US goods, stating that without concessions, talks to avoid additional 20% duties will not progress. US trade representative Jamieson Greer plans to inform EU counterpart Maroš Šefčovič that the EU's recent proposals are insufficient, particularly due to the lack of a commitment to lower duties independently. As both sides prepare for a key meeting in Paris, the US remains focused on...

This article discusses the EU's response to U.S. trade demands, with negotiators pressing for tariff reductions to avoid a 20% duty on EU products. Austria's foreign minister supports increased military spending despite the country's neutrality, emphasizing cooperation within the EU for defense capabilities, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions. The Dutch justice minister calls for vigilance against corruption in military procurement amid a broader investigation into bribery related to defense contracts as Europe ramps up...

SummaryEuropean solar panel manufacturers have faced significant challenges due to a surplus of cheap Chinese panels, leading to factory closures and bankruptcies. However, a renewed focus on ethical sourcing and local procurement, especially in light of potential human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region, is prompting European developers to consider domestic suppliers. The EU's Net Zero Industry Act aims to enhance supply chain resilience and may create a market for domestic products, despite the ongoing...