Ypres begins construction of €16M swimming pool in May 2025

The European Union has unveiled a €20bn plan to establish new sites with powerful supercomputers in Europe for advancing artificial intelligence (AI) development, potentially amending existing AI regulations. The initiative aims to position Europe as a leader in AI innovation, with European Commission vice-president Henna Virkkunen emphasizing the importance of AI for competitiveness and technological sovereignty in a global context. The strategy underscores the ongoing global competition for AI dominance and the significance of AI...

EU President Von der Leyen is urged to take rapid and radical action as Donald Trump threatens tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, causing stocks in the sector to plummet globally. European and Indian drugmakers are particularly affected, with fears of companies relocating to the US. Trump's 20% reciprocal tariffs have already taken effect, with further damage anticipated. Full Article

José Luis Escrivá, governor of the Bank of Spain and an ECB governing council member, warned of negative economic impacts from Donald Trump's tariffs, potentially questioning the dollar's reserve currency status. Escrivá highlighted uncertainties around the fallout of US policies and emphasized the importance of a coordinated European response. As investors anticipate an ECB rate cut, Escrivá suggested the euro could become a more attractive alternative amidst global financial turmoil and revised down Spain's growth...

UK chancellor Rachel Reeves pledges to strengthen trade ties with the EU amidst escalating tariffs from Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a trade war and seeking improved trade relations globally, especially with the EU post-Brexit. Reeves aims to enhance market access by aligning regulations with Brussels rules and engaging in discussions with top UK businesses to address the impact of tariffs and promote responsible trade practices, while also pursuing a US trade deal...

Britain's defence and tech industries are urging EU and UK leaders to prioritize a new security pact at the UK-EU summit on May 19, amid concerns of delays due to issues like fishing rights. The aerospace, tech, and industry lobby groups emphasize the importance of a UK-EU defence and security partnership agreement for closer industrial cooperation, highlighting the need for swift action to avoid protracted negotiations. The summit presents an opportunity to formalize the relationship...

Carmakers are holding thousands of vehicles at US ports and halting shipments to minimize the impact of Trump's trade war, with some delaying entry and others suspending shipments to the US. Ports are nearing capacity, with Bremerhaven in Germany expecting to lose up to 50% of vehicle shipments to the US. Car manufacturers are uncertain about how tariffs will be applied and are temporarily holding cars in ports or seeking bonded warehouses to avoid fees....