EU countries are converging on the need for urgent action to prevent Chinese-driven deindustrialization, supporting a new trade strategy with new instruments and strategic use of existing ones ahead of a key summit.
Former British ambassador to the EU, Ivan Rogers, criticizes Labour's approach to the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU, calling it unprepared and lacking a coherent vision. He argues their proposed solutions are technocratic and irrelevant to the EU's core concerns.
China held a forum in Berlin to promote imports from the EU, aiming to ease trade tensions and address its growing trade surplus. The event, attended by officials and executives, sought to showcase China's market potential amid rising regulatory hurdles and geopolitical shifts in Europe.
The EU and UK will hold their next summit on July 22 in Brussels to discuss resetting relations. Key agenda items include a youth mobility scheme, a food and farm produce trade agreement, and an emissions trading system. The summit has faced delays, partly due to deadlock over the youth mobility program.
EU leaders are converging on a more assertive approach to China, citing unfair trade practices and a growing deficit. While dialogue continues, the EU is considering tools like import quotas and an overcapacity instrument, though a full trade war is unlikely due to economic fragility.
The EU and UK will hold their second bilateral summit on July 22 in Brussels. British PM Keir Starmer, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the meeting after a G7 summit. The summit aims to strengthen cooperation and a closer relationship for European security, resilience, and prosperity.
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's trade committee, became an obstacle to a transatlantic trade deal with the US. He demanded safeguards against Washington's potential non-compliance, clashing with EU institutions and Trump's administration.
Western policymakers claim China has 'overcapacity' in steel, EVs, and green tech, flooding markets with subsidized goods. However, economic data suggests otherwise, with China's capacity utilization for ferrous metals within healthy EU ranges. The EU and US employ double standards, using arbitrary metrics and bypassing the WTO to impose protectionist measures.
US ambassadors' tradition of intimate dinners in Brussels, used for building consensus among European allies, has largely disappeared under Donald Trump. These 'like-minded' gatherings facilitated off-the-record discussions on key policy issues, fostering candid exchanges that are now seen as diminished.
Chinese manufacturers exporting to the EU face new regulatory hurdles due to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The system requires detailed carbon intensity data, causing significant compliance challenges for companies like Neil Miao's, who struggle with understanding and providing the required information.
As the 10th anniversary of Brexit approaches, Britain debates rejoining the EU, focusing on economic benefits and political feasibility. However, the discussion largely ignores the perspectives of other European nations and the EU's own priorities, such as Ukraine and global economic challenges. While some UK politicians advocate for rejoining, the EU has other candidates and a minority who may not welcome Britain back.
Milorad Dodik, chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, stated that Republika Srpska will vote against EU integration in a referendum, attributing this to Brussels' "failed policy" and perceived bias towards Bosniak Muslims.
China's foreign ministry confirmed ongoing "communications on the relevant dialogue" with the EU. EU sources indicated meetings were postponed, not as retaliation by Beijing, amid Chinese academic Guo Mingxu's criticism of Brussels blaming China for its own failures.
Ja'Kobe Tharp set a new world record in the 110m hurdles with a time of 12.75 seconds at the NCAA championships in Eugene, Oregon. He broke Aries Merritt's previous record of 12.80 seconds and Grant Holloway's NCAA record of 12.98 seconds.
A large US Independence Day celebration in Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park is drawing criticism for its scale, security measures including facial recognition, potential environmental harm from fireworks, and timing amid strained US-EU relations.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left Belgium for Italy after holding talks with Belgian PM Bart De Wever and EU leaders. Discussions focused on expanding investment in advanced sectors and condemning North Korea-Russia military cooperation. Lee will next meet with Italian leaders and the Pope.
The EU and South Korea signed a new digital trade agreement at their 11th summit in Brussels. The deal aims to reduce digital trade barriers and enhance legal certainty, complementing a decade-old free trade agreement. Discussions also covered economic security, supply chain resilience, and security cooperation, with a focus on semiconductors and condemnation of North Korea's actions.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and EU leaders strongly condemned North Korea-Russia military cooperation, deeming it illegal and enabling Russia's war in Ukraine. They urged adherence to UN resolutions and expressed concerns over North Korea's nuclear programs.
First Lady Kim Hye-kyung met with young K-classical musicians in Brussels, expressing pride and encouragement. She praised their performances, including cellist Kim Tae-yeon, and thanked host families for supporting the students.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and EU leaders strongly condemned North Korea-Russia military cooperation, calling it illegal and a factor enabling Russia's war on Ukraine. They urged immediate cessation of activities and compliance with UN resolutions, also expressing concerns over NK's nuclear programs.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met with Belgian King Philippe in Brussels, discussing bilateral relations and the Korean War. Lee pledged to uphold peace and democracy, honoring the sacrifices of Belgian soldiers, while King Philippe expressed gratitude for South Korea's efforts to remember the history of solidarity.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels to discuss expanding investment in key sectors. Lee also sought support for peace on the Korean Peninsula, with Belgium pledging UN contributions.
Belgium has rejected a US demand to impose an entry ban on travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing scientific advice over political pressure. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated Belgium focuses on screening at departure points and quarantine for symptomatic arrivals, criticizing US aid cuts and travel restrictions.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever agreed to expand investment in strategic sectors like batteries, materials, and energy, and to promote SMEs and startups. They also discussed semiconductor cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
