Placate or retaliate? Starmer and Carney are both right on Trump

SummaryBrussels has proposed legislation to facilitate the recognition of UK professional qualifications in the EU, addressing a key demand from London and aiming to improve post-Brexit relations. The plan is part of a new EU single market strategy and is expected to benefit various UK professionals, who will still need visas to work in EU member states. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trading relationships with Europe to boost economic growth, while...

The European Commission will require EU companies to end all energy contracts with Russia by 2027, a move aimed at reducing dependency on Russian fossil fuels following the invasion of Ukraine. The plan mandates the termination of spot market gas contracts by the end of 2023 and all long-term contracts by 2027, while facing opposition from Hungary and Slovakia who argue that sanctions would raise energy prices. Additionally, the proposal seeks greater oversight of commercial...

Summary On May 19, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government and EU leaders will hold a summit in London to sign agreements aimed at strengthening UK-EU relations post-Brexit, including a declaration of common principles, a security and defence pact, and discussions on Brexit-related issues. The UK’s military capabilities are seen as vital for EU defence efforts, although immediate access to EU funds will require further negotiations. Both sides face domestic political pressures that hinder progress, yet...

SummaryThe article contrasts the EU's methodical, compromise-driven approach to trade negotiations with the impulsive and aggressive style of the Trump administration. As the EU faces rising tariffs from the U.S., they are cautiously navigating their trade relationship, offering to purchase more American goods while resisting permanent tariff levels. Meanwhile, other nations are seeking trade deals with the EU, as they prioritize long-term agreements over rapid negotiations, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties in the evolving global...

When Italian lawyer Mario Franzosi coined the term “Italian torpedo” in 1997, he described a tactic of preemptively filing lawsuits in slow Italian courts to impede opponents' legal actions. This practice has resurfaced in post-Brexit Britain, as EU regulations no longer apply, allowing litigators to exploit it again, particularly in financial derivative disputes between Italian municipalities and banks. As the UK prepares to sign the 2019 Hague Convention in 2025, the strategic filing of claims...

This article discusses the recent first round of Romania's presidential election, where hard-right nationalist George Simion secured around 40% of the votes, alarming EU and NATO allies. Simion, who leads the AUR party and has a controversial past, will face Nicușor Dan in the May 18 run-off after Dan received 20.9% of the vote. Meanwhile, the EU's trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is calling for more staff and streamlined processes to expedite trade negotiations with various...