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European Union

European Union
European Union
The latest breaking news and stories on the European Union (EU), an economic and political union of 27 member states mainly located in Europe, which accounts for around a sixth of global economic output. Also covering the EU’s relationship with the UK (post Brexit), China and the US, plus commentary and updates on EU legislation, the euro and trade.
French President Emmanuel Macron (centre) chairs an international videoconference on global growth. Photo: EPA
China trade

China-EU tensions, Xi in North Korea, flatlining retail sales

This week: China seeks to avert EU trade war, Xi hails ‘unwavering’ ties with North Korea, and US blacklists Chinese tech giants for alleged military ties. Next week: May retail sales data may show little growth, China tightens minerals controls, Nvidia gaming chip challenger comes to market, and more.

US-China relations

EU tech sovereignty may be ‘illusion’ as China, US dominate AI: Chinese expert

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China trade

China’s BYD challenges iconic auto giants as hybrid demand surges in Germany

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China-EU relations

Opinion | EU threat of trade war against China is a strategic farce

The EU is mistaken in believing it still has economic leverage. A trade war will not save an economy in decline.

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Chinese-made electric cars awaiting export are seen parked at the International Automobile Trade Port in Hangzhou in China’s eastern Zhejiang province. Photo: AFP
Japan

As I see it | Forget Weimar, it’s Japan’s Taisho period we need to talk about

As analysts warn about the far-right’s gains in Germany, we must also reckon with the historical events that prompted Japanese militarism.

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China-EU relations

Opinion | China’s EV giants are breathing new life into Europe’s ailing car industry

From Chery in Britain to SAIC in Spain, Chinese carmakers are investing in new plants and revitalising old ones as they localise production.

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China-EU relations

China debate reaches fever pitch in Brussels as EU’s crunch fortnight kicks off

Ahead of next week’s leaders’ summit, some are pushing for the bloc to end its ‘naivety’ and forcefully counter cheap imports.

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There is consensus in Brussels that nothing will meaningfully change in the EU’s China policy until Germany is onside. Photo: EPA
Hungary

Hungary MPs back plan to cut their own salaries by 40 per cent

New PM Peter Magyar had pushed for the cuts, saying that ‘besides humanity, it is about self-restraint and humility’.

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Ukraine war

European powers back Zelensky’s call for summit with Putin

UK, France and Germany endorse face-to-face ceasefire talks, but the Kremlin has so far ruled out a meeting.

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United States

Editorial | US tariff threat over forced labour looks like old wine in a new bottle

With the latest escalation in Trump’s forever tariff war, Washington is alienating allies and adversaries alike.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer speaks to reporters during a tour of a manufacturing facility on April 9, in Warren, Michigan, the US. Photo: AP
History

In D-Day speech, Hegseth urges Europe to counter ‘invasion’ of migrants

The US defence chief also calls on European countries to do more to contribute to their defence, during a ceremony commemorating D-Day in France.

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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (centre) attends a ceremony to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, on Saturday. Photo: AP
Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo urges end to ‘polarising narratives’ on Spain visit

The pope says he hopes the week-long tour of Spain will set an example to the world about respecting ‘every human being’.

Russia

UK’s Keir Starmer says Russia could attack Nato within 4 years

His comments echo similar time frames expressed by other European leaders and Nato chief Mark Rutte.

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China-EU relations

EU needs a ‘dedicated instrument’ to unwind China dependencies, trade chief says

The bloc may force companies to diversify their suppliers, after Beijing’s use of export controls put pressure on EU industry.

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The month ahead could prove to be a decisive one for the future of the China-EU relationship. Photo: Shutterstock
Diplomacy

As I see it | Trump is turning allies and partners into friends of China

Dealing with Beijing offers countries such as Canada and India more leverage with the US in addition to economic benefits.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney after signing various memorandums of understanding in New Delhi, India, on March 2. Photo: AP
China-EU relations

Outside In | Europe blaming China for trade imbalance ignores its own policy failures

How are Beijing’s successful industrial policies any different from those used by Europe, the US or the ‘Asian tigers’ in the past?

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China-EU relations

European CEOs more optimistic about business in India than in China

34 per cent expect business conditions in China to improve by end of decade, while 63 per cent have positive expectations for India.

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Britain

Opinion | UK could take a leaf out of Hong Kong’s supply-side economics

Too much government interference, whether through subsidies or regulatory pressure, stifles the very growth that can better society.

A pedestrian walks along the River Thames and mudlarks during low tide, with the City of London financial district in the background on September 15, 2025. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong politics

7 taken away as police ramp up patrols around former site of Tiananmen vigil

Hong Kong police say they stopped and searched five men and two women in Causeway Bay for allegedly disrupting order.

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China-EU relations

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

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China trade

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

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Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry, answers questions from journalists. Photo: dpa
China trade

Shanghai urged to unify incentives as EU firms in China flag rising challenges

European chamber pushes for ‘one Shanghai’ policy as survey reveals cross-border capital flow and market access barriers weigh on operations.

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Among Shanghai respondents in a survey, 68 per cent said the city had become a more difficult place to do business over the past year – the highest share among the European Chamber of Commerce in China’s regional chapters. Photo: Xinhua
Albania

Protests grow over Trump family-linked resort project in Albania

Luxury project linked to Jared Kushner is planned for an uninhabited island and pristine coastline, sparking resistance.

Hungary

Ukraine, Hungary agree on minority rights, paving way for EU accession talks

The long-running dispute had strained ties between Budapest and Kyiv and complicated Hungary’s support for Ukraine’s EU ambitions.

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US-China trade war

‘Utterly absurd’: China and EU push back on US forced labour tariff claims

Trump administration threatens tariffs of up to 12.5 per cent on imports from 60 economies over failure to ban goods made with forced labour.

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A Chinese flag flies from a ship at the Port of Oakland in the US state of California. Photo: AP
Ukraine war

Ukraine drone strikes causing ‘panic’ for Kremlin, EU’s Kallas says

Russia is increasing attacks on civilians because it doesn’t know how to respond to attacks deep in its territory, the top EU diplomat says.

Smoke billows following hits by Ukrainian drones at an oil terminal in St Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday. Photo: Social media via Reuters
Nordic nations

Denmark PM presents new government, with majority of women

For the first time in Danish history, the new cabinet will consist of more women than men.

China-Latin America relations

China opens door to all Brazilian beef, then slams it with a 55% surtax

Recognition lifts a long-standing sanitary barrier, but an import quota in force since January caps how far Brazilian beef sales can grow.

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