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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.
Illustration: Craig Stephens
Nato

Opinion | Europe says it must rearm – but to what end?

Beneath the rhetoric of defending democracy, a more uncomfortable reality drives the rearmament push: the fraying of the transatlantic bond.

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Myanmar

Myanmar’s junta-proxy parliament meets for first time since 2021 coup

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Asean

Can Asean break free from US-China supply chain grip?

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Asean

Opinion | Underwater and unprotected: why Asean and the EU must secure subsea lifelines

With global data at risk from hybrid threats, Southeast Asia and Europe need to look past declarations to secure our shared data arteries.

Workers install a submarine communications cable in western France. Photo: AFP
Britain

UK eyes ‘targeted’ support for households amid rising energy costs

Finance chief Rachel Reeves says there are plans to help those vulnerable to sharp rises in energy prices, especially those who rely on heating oil.

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Nato

Serbia confirms it owns Chinese supersonic missiles after photo leak

‘We have a significant number of those missiles and we will have even more,’ Aleksandar Vucic said, adding they were ‘extremely effective’.

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US-China trade war

Trump’s tariff investigation ‘bluff’ will not work on China, analysts warn

Beijing has grown wise to the US president’s ‘art of the deal’ tactics and will not be fazed by the new Section 301 investigations, analysts say.

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US President Donald Trump, left, talks to Chinese President Xi Jinping as they shake hands after their talks in South Korea in October. Photo: TNS
United States

US launches trade probe into China and EU in bid to revive Trump tariffs

The Section 301 investigations could lead to another set of import taxes to replace those struck down by the Supreme Court.

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China manufacturing

China’s industrial policy goes global, challenging decades of free market rule

China’s tighter embrace of industrial policy in recent years has transformed its economy – and other countries are following suit.

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Britain

UK PM Starmer was warned of ‘reputational risk’ in appointing Mandelson

The concerns were raised in a document sent to Starmer in December 2024 before he appointed Mandelson as US ambassdor.

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Peter Mandelson leaves his home in north London on Wednesday. Photo: via AP
US, Israel war on Iran

Rules-based order on trial in Europe as Iran war deepens divide

EU leaders have clashed over whether the bloc should still be bound by global norms as Mideast conflict reshapes the geopolitical landscape.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe could “no longer be a custodian for the old-world order”. Photo: Reuters
Energy

EU eyes nuclear energy again as oil prices soar amid Iran war

It was ‘a mistake’ to turn away from ‘a reliable, affordable source of low-emission power’, says EU chief, amid new funding - and protesters.

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China-EU relations

Why the ‘China threat’ was barely mentioned in Germany’s latest state election

Baden-Wurttemberg’s car industry is facing steep job losses amid intense Chinese competition. But local candidates largely avoided blaming China.

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China exports

China’s exports surge 21.8% to start 2026 – biggest gain in 4 years

Despite an 11 per cent drop in US exports, China’s trade soared, buoyed by robust demand from Asean, the EU and other markets.

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Cargo containers and ships at a port in Qingdao, Shandong province, on March 3. Photo: AFP
China-EU relations

Get realpolitik? Von der Leyen questions Europe’s faith in rules-based order

The EU must become more realistic and interest-driven to keep up with the new world order, bloc chief says.

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Preparations are already under way for a “European Security Strategy”, an approach that will be the cornerstone of Ursula von der Leyen’s vision. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

Weaponise EU market against China or face manufacturing collapse: official think tank

Beijing’s ‘weakness creates opportunities’ for bloc to use chokepoints and leverage for negotiations, researchers say.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Macron to visit Cyprus, French warships deployed as war in Middle East rages

The president’s visit will demonstrate France’s solidarity with Cyprus following Iranian strikes and underscore the importance of maritime security in the region.

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Two Sessions 2026

Abandon the lonely attic, join the China gym: Wang Yi to Europe

Foreign minister’s comments come at closely watched press conference on ‘two sessions’ sidelines.

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Some analysts see China’s approach in Europe as increasingly focused on engaging national governments and broader public audiences rather than Brussels. Photo: AP
Vietnam

Why Vietnam’s new AI law makes it proving ground for Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s first law on AI could raise the bar from voluntary guidelines to binding legal frameworks across the region, analysts say.

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China-EU relations

Opinion | How Europe and China can rise above paralysis and mistrust

Together, Brussels and Beijing can reshape global power into a balance where Europe matters and China gains legitimacy as a responsible power.

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Ukraine war

At least 7 killed in Ukraine’s Kharkiv as Russia strikes apartment building

Moscow struck its neighbour overnight with 29 missiles and 480 drones, President Zelensky said, with hits at 22 locations.

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Rescuers work at the site of a fatal missile strike on a residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday. Photo: EPA
Two Sessions 2026

Beijing vows to expand imports amid ‘China shock’ fears

Beijing promises to source advanced tech, consumer goods and agricultural products from overseas while diversifying markets.

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Commerce Minister Wang Wentao speaks at the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 6. Photo: AFP
Iran

How far could the war with Iran spread beyond the Middle East?

From Turkey and the Caucasus to South Asia, analysts warn the war could ignite new flashpoints along regional fault lines.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Top Chinese EV makers are selling more cars overseas than at home

Top EV makers such as BYD, Great Wall Motor and Chery are selling more cars in overseas markets than at home.

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Jimmy Lai trial

Jimmy Lai will not appeal 20-year sentence after national security trial: source

Legal source confirms 78-year-old Apple Daily founder will not file application to Court of Appeal before standard 28-day deadline.

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Jimmy Lai was last month sentenced to 20 years in prison over his conviction on two conspiracy counts of collusion with foreign forces and a third of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious articles. Photo: AFP
Two Sessions 2026

China boosts diplomatic budget by 9.3% as US leaves ‘fiscal void’

Growth rate in foreign affairs spending this year to outpace that of military budget as Beijing consolidates global influence, analysts say.

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Guests attending a China-Africa cooperation summit are greeted by children on their way to a banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 4, 2024. Photo: Xinhua
Russia

Russia may halt gas supplies to Europe amid Iran energy spike, Putin warns

The leader says the chaos triggered by the Iran crisis has led to the emergence of other buyers willing to pay top dollar for fuel.

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China-EU relations

China in the crosshairs as EU launches sweeping plans to save industrial future

Proposals reveal EU anxiety over competing with Chinese products, security fears linked to Chinese investments and urgency to act.

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