By using forced-labour claims to justify tariffs and threaten Europe’s digital and climate rules, Washington is testing whether the EU dares to turn its own powerful regulatory arsenal against American companies.
Climate think tank Sandbag estimates that costs under its ‘expected’ scenario amount to just €79m in 2034 if higher prices for cleaner steel are factored in.
A group of leading scholars has questioned the legality of an EU Commission options paper on restricting imports from Israeli settlements, before EU foreign ministers revisit the issue in September.
Despite a strict ban in Spain on products from the illegally-occupied territories, three Israeli agricultural giants are openly boasting about shipping dates and nuts to the country — often relying on local suppliers and major supermarket brands to quietly reach Spanish shelves.
Each new multi-million euro fine on Google, Apple and Meta raises a blunt question for Europeans: are tougher rules on online giants worth the risk of higher US tariffs?
The EU has probably missed the boat in imposing trade measures against solar panels or electric vehicles (EVs) without China viewing this as a direct, offensive measure (and in turn, incurring harsh retaliation)
From Trojan Horse in Brussels to executive for China’s BYD – Hungary’s Szijjártó makes classic ‘revolving doors’ moveWith Chinese electric car giant BYD already under fire over allegations of forced labour and huge state subsidy that is destroying Europe’s domestic car industry, Hungarian former foreign minister Péter Szijjártó’s latest move exposes just how easily powerful insiders can cross the line between public office and private corporate interests.
India is set to join the EU’s Horizon programme in October, the latest incentive offered by Brussels as it aims to boost trade ties with Delhi.
The EU Commission has set up a series of ‘work streams’ on trade policy with China, but says that ‘dialogue will not suffice’ and is still planning to take a series of measures to control its trade deficit with Beijing.
Public procurement is quietly becoming one of EU’s industrial policy tools of choice. We are not the first to try this, and the evidence is sobering, warns Judith Arnal.
“The option that got the most support was banning trade with illegal settlements,” said EU foreign affairs chief Kallas, after talks with the 27 foreign ministers on Monday.
THIS WEEK: EU weighs curbs on Israeli-settlement trade, as India tech ties and carbon market review top agendaThis week’s EU agenda stretches from restrictions on trade with Israeli illegal settlements and Gaza aid to a looming electrification push and carbon market review.
Ahead of the key meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday (13 July), the European Commission has circulated an options paper exploring ways to restrict trade between the EU and Israeli illegal settlements in the West Bank. Here, EUobserver explains them.
As Zelensky publicly rebuked the role of European companies like a Russian-owned alumina refinery on Irish soil, Dublin assumes the EU Council presidency under pressure to stop exports to Russia of a key component for its defence sector.
From Wednesday onwards, the European Union is introducing a new €3 customs duty on low-value parcels entering the bloc from outside the EU – will you end up paying for this?
As Beijing tightens its grip on key raw materials and factories fear shutdowns, the EU’s next move on trade with China will signal whether it can defend its industries without triggering a full-blown economic clash.
EU’s ‘Voldemort’ problem: talking about China without mentioning ChinaAs Beijing exploits Europe’s economic dependence and political splits, this summit’s cautious language risks signalling weakness just as the EU’s leverage over its biggest trading rival is being tested.
The European trade deficit with China amounted to €360bn in 2025, or roughly €1bn a day. The commission and a growing group of member states want to take stronger measures to save European industries.
As Trump piles on new tariff threats and breaks past promises, EU negotiators are quietly swallowing an uneven deal rather than risk another blow to already suffering European exporters.
MEPs on Tuesday passed legislation for a three-year trade deal with the United States. But they have successfully tacked on a series of safeguard mechanisms should the Trump administration backtrack on its tariff promises.
